Oral contrast-enhanced CT cholangiography--an initial experience.
OBJECTIVE
To describe our experience of CT (Computed tomographic) Cholangiography examination for detection of choledocholithiasis at the Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) Karachi Pakistan.


METHODS
Seven patients underwent helical CT cholangiography for suspected choledocholithiasis. Iopanoic acid (6 grams) was administered orally 8-12 hours before acquisition of a helical CT cholangiogram. Three-dimensional reconstructions and curved multiplanar reformations were generated from a set of axial source images.


RESULTS
Our patients had no adverse reactions to iopanoic acid. The degree of biliary opacification was sufficient to perform three-dimensional and curved planar reformations in 5 patients. In two patients, the biliary tree was not opacified. Both of these studies were considered failures. Findings on CT cholangiography in the remaining 5 patients were the following: cholelithiasis with normal bile duct (n=2), choledocholithiasis (n=1), stone in gallbladder remnant with long cystic duct (n=1) and infiltrating adenocarcinoma of the gallbladder (n=1).


CONCLUSIONS
Spiral CT cholangiography is a safe, non-invasive, and cost effective alternative test and, in a carefully selected patient population can play a role in the diagnostic work-up of patients with suspected choledocholithiasis.
Naseem
I
I
Department of Radiology, The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi.
Rees
J
J
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002758:Cholangiography; D042883:Choledocholithiasis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007480:Iopanoic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010154:Pakistan; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
D003287:Contrast Media; D007480:Iopanoic Acid