Portal biliopathy: a multitechnique imaging approach

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Gastroenterology
• Hepatology

Background:

• Portal biliopathy (PB) is a condition affecting bile ducts and gallbladder.
• It is associated with extrahepatic portal vein obstruction.
• PB presents with diverse biliary and gallbladder wall abnormalities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the imaging findings of portal biliopathy.
• To differentiate PB from other diseases with similar imaging features.

Main Methods:

• Pictorial essay format.
• Review of imaging findings in portal biliopathy.

Main Results:

• PB shows bile duct compression, stenoses, strictures, and dilatation.
• Gallbladder varices are also observed.
• Imaging characteristics aid in distinguishing PB from mimics.

Conclusions:

• Imaging is crucial for diagnosing portal biliopathy.
• Recognizing specific imaging patterns helps differentiate PB from cholangiocarcinoma, extrinsic compression, and sclerosing cholangitis.