[MR cholangiopancreatography and MR imaging in the diagnosis of extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma].
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the imaging features of MR Imaging (MRI) and MR cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) and their clinical value in the diagnosis of extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.


METHODS
MRI was performed in 54 patients with extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma proved surgically and pathologically, MRCP in 44 patients, Gadolinium-enhanced in 29 patients. MRI, MRCP and pathological findings were analyzed retrospectively.


RESULTS
By MRI, the mass was shown (n = 39) and all bile duct thickened (n = 13) in extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Gadolinium-enhanced ones revealed calcified focus (n = 22). By MRCP, interrupted, abruptly cut-off or cone-like changes of the bile duct (n = 16), beak-like or mouse tail changes (n = 26) or tumbler mouth appearance (n = 2) were shown. The bile duct distal to the obstruction was observed in 29 patients. Of the 54 patients examined by MRI in combination with MRCP, correct tumor localization was made in 52 (96.3%) and correct judgement of tumor nature in 50 (92.6%).


CONCLUSIONS
Conventional MRI is an effective supplement to MRCP in the diagnosis of extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. MRCP combined with MRI is able to significantly improve the diagnostic accuracy of MR examination.
Zhou
Jing-xing
JX
Department of Radiology, Second Hospital, Sun Yet-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China. gdzhoujx@163.com
Liang
Bi-ling
BL
Xu
Ling-yun
LY
Huang
Sui-qiao
SQ
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001650:Bile Duct Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*; D017734:Bile Ducts, Extrahepatic / Q000473:pathology; D018281:Cholangiocarcinoma / Q000175:diagnosis*; D049448:Cholangiopancreatography, Magnetic Resonance; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies