Rare localization of a portal cavernoma in the wall of the common bile duct.
The first communication on biliary complications secondary to a portal cavernoma was published in 1965 [Br. J. Surg. 52 (1965) 636.], and since then several cases have been reported in the medical literature. These biliary complications, studied initially by anterograde or retrograde cholangiography, and later MR cholangiography [Van Hoe L, Van Beckevoort D, Van Steenbergen W. Atlas of across-sectional and projective MR cholangiography. Berlin: Springer; 1999. p. 166-7.], appear to be secondary to a double mechanism which produces a compression of the common bile duct (CBD) and ischemic changes. The biliary abnormalities most frequently found are a dilatation of the intrahepatic biliary ducts associated with extrinsic strictures and segmental dilatation of the CBD [J. Radiol. 83 (2001) 341.]. We report a rare type of portal cavernoma characterized by a thickening of the walls of the CBD and by a dilatation of the intrahepatic biliary ducts. The thickened walls of the CBD were evaluated by ultrasound and by magnetic resonance imaging.
Novellas
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Services d'Imagerie Médicale, Centre Hospitalier Régional et Universitaire de Nice, Hôpital Archet, route de Saint Antoine de Ginestière, B.P. 3079, F-06202 Nice Cedex 3, France. sebastiennovellas@hotmail.com
Chevallier
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Peroux
J L
JL
Bruneton
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JN
D003138:Common Bile Duct Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005260:Female; D006392:Hemangioma, Cavernous / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008875:Middle Aged; D018615:Ultrasonography, Doppler, Color