[Use of three-dimensional reconstruction of the biliary tree in spiral computed tomography without using hepatotropic...

The aim of the study was to assess the quality of biliary tract imaging without cholangiographic contrast medium and to evaluate the usefulness of 3-D reformations in determination of ductal anatomic relationship. The spiral 5 mm CT liver scans were performed after a bolus of 150 ml i.v. contrast agent in 15 patients with a malignant obstructive jaundice. The biliary tract was separated from surrounding hepatic parenchyma with segmentation computer algorithm and then 3-D models were produced. In all the patients, both biliary anatomy and the localization and degree of segmental obstruction were visualized with satisfying quality. The 3-D sCT models of dilated biliary tract can be obtained without cholangiographic contrast agent and can clearly depict ductal anatomy and pathology.