title: Imaging spectrum of cholangiocarcinoma: role in diagnosis, staging, and posttreatment evaluation.
abstract: Cholangiocarcinoma, a tumor of biliary epithelium, is increasing in incidence. The imaging appearance, behavior, and treatment of cholangiocarcinoma differ according to its location and morphology. Cholangiocarcinoma is usually classified as intrahepatic, perihilar, or distal. The three morphologies are mass-forming, periductal sclerosing, and intraductal growing. As surgical resection is the only cure, prompt diagnosis and accurate staging is crucial. In staging, vascular involvement, longitudinal spread, and lymphadenopathy are important to assess. The role of liver transplantation for unresectable peripheral cholangiocarcinoma will be discussed. Locoregional therapy can extend survival for those with unresectable intrahepatic tumors. The main risk factors predisposing to cholangiocarcinoma are parasitic infections, primary sclerosing cholangitis, choledochal cysts, and viral hepatitis. Several inflammatory conditions can mimic cholangiocarcinoma, including IgG4 disease, sclerosing cholangitis, Mirizzi's syndrome, and recurrent pyogenic cholangitis. The role of PET in diagnosis and staging will also be discussed. Radiologists play a crucial role in diagnosis, staging, and treatment of this disease.
authors: Department of Radiology, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1740 W Taylor St Rm 2483, MC 931, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA. wmar@uic.edu.
authors: Winnie A
authors: WA
authors: Mar
authors: Department of Radiology, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1740 W Taylor St Rm 2483, MC 931, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA.
authors: Andrew M
authors: AM
authors: Shon
authors: Department of Radiology, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1740 W Taylor St Rm 2483, MC 931, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA.
authors: Yang
authors: Y
authors: Lu
authors: Department of Radiology, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1740 W Taylor St Rm 2483, MC 931, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA.
authors: Jonathan H
authors: JH
authors: Yu
authors: Department of Radiology, Northwestern University, NMH/Arkes Family Pavilion Suite 800, 676 N Saint Clair, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
authors: Senta M
authors: SM
authors: Berggruen
authors: Department of Pathology, University of Illinois at Chicago, 840 S. Wood St., Suite 130 CSN, MC 847, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA.
authors: Grace
authors: G
authors: Guzman
authors: Department of Radiology, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1740 W Taylor St Rm 2483, MC 931, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA.
authors: Charles E
authors: CE
authors: Ray
authors: Department of Radiology, Northwestern University, NMH/Arkes Family Pavilion Suite 800, 676 N Saint Clair, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
authors: Frank
authors: F
authors: Miller
mesh_terms: D001650:Bile Duct Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D001652:Bile Ducts / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D018281:Cholangiocarcinoma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*
keywords: Bile duct; Cholangiocarcinoma; Diagnosis; Locoregional treatment; Staging; Transplant