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Normal intrahepatic bile ducts: CT depiction.
R M Liddell1, R L Baron, J E Ekstrom
1Department of Radiology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle 98195.
Radiology
|September 1, 1990
Summary
Seeing intrahepatic bile ducts (IHBDs) on CT scans is common in healthy individuals. Advanced CT technology frequently visualizes these normal bile ducts, which do not indicate obstruction.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
- Hepatobiliary System
Background:
- Historically, visualization of intrahepatic bile ducts (IHBDs) on computed tomography (CT) suggested biliary obstruction.
- Advancements in CT technology, including contrast enhancement and ceramic scintillation detectors, have improved IHBD visualization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively assess the frequency, location, and size of IHBD visualization in patients without hepatobiliary disease.
- To determine if IHBD visualization on modern CT represents a normal finding.
Main Methods:
- Prospective examination of 100 patients without clinical, laboratory, or imaging evidence of hepatobiliary or pancreatic disease.
- Utilized hepatic CT enhanced with contrast material and ceramic scintillation detectors.
Main Results:
- Intrahepatic bile ducts (IHBDs) were visualized in 40% of the study cohort.
- Average IHBD size was 2.0 mm centrally and 1.8 mm peripherally.
- IHBDs were more frequently seen in the right lobe compared to the left; no age correlation was found.
Conclusions:
- Demonstration of IHBDs on current CT scanners is a normal finding.
- Visualization of IHBDs does not indicate biliary obstruction in the absence of other clinical signs.