Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 17, 2026

Author Spotlight: Using Point-of-Care Ultrasound for Comprehensive Evaluation of the Abdominal Aorta
07:12

Author Spotlight: Using Point-of-Care Ultrasound for Comprehensive Evaluation of the Abdominal Aorta

Published on: September 8, 2023

4.4K

Association between common bile duct diameter and abdominal aorta calcium score

Yashar Moharamzad1, Sahar Abbasi1, Morteza Sanei Taheri2

  • 1Department of Radiology, Shohada Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tajrish Sq, Tehran, 1445613131, Iran.

Abdominal Radiology (New York)
|December 8, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Atherosclerosis, a condition linked to aging, is associated with a larger common bile duct (CBD) diameter. This study found a moderate correlation between abdominal aorta atherosclerosis and increased CBD diameter in asymptomatic patients.

Area of Science:

  • Vascular Medicine
  • Gastroenterology
  • Radiology

Background:

  • Aging is linked to an increased normal upper limit of the common bile duct (CBD) diameter.
  • Atherosclerosis, a common aging-related condition, may influence CBD diameter by affecting smooth muscle contractility and blood flow.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between CBD diameter and abdominal aorta (AA) atherosclerosis.

Main Methods:

  • 99 asymptomatic patients without a history of cholecystectomy underwent contrast-enhanced CT scans.
  • CBD diameter was measured, and AA atherosclerosis was quantified using the Agatston score.

Main Results:

  • Patients with AA atherosclerosis (Agatston score > 0) had a significantly larger mean CBD diameter (7.39 ± 2.07 mm) compared to those without calcification (5.29 ± 1.32 mm).
  • A moderate positive correlation was observed between CBD diameter and the Agatston score (ρ = 0.43, P = 0.005).

Conclusions:

  • Atherosclerosis may contribute to an increased CBD diameter, potentially due to effects on smooth muscle.
  • Further research is needed to determine if upper limits for normal CBD diameter should be adjusted for patients with subclinical or clinical atherosclerosis.
Abstract

Keywords:
Agatston scoreAgeCalcificationCommon bile ductDiameterExtrahepatic bile duct

More Related Videos

Ultrasound Imaging of the Thoracic and Abdominal Aorta in Mice to Determine Aneurysm Dimensions06:08

Ultrasound Imaging of the Thoracic and Abdominal Aorta in Mice to Determine Aneurysm Dimensions

Published on: March 8, 2019

20.8K
Identifying Coronary Artery Calcification on Non-gated Computed Tomography Scans04:40

Identifying Coronary Artery Calcification on Non-gated Computed Tomography Scans

Published on: August 28, 2018

16.2K

Related Concept Videos

Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System VI: Calcium -Scoring CT01:25

Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System VI: Calcium -Scoring CT

Calcium-Scoring CT ScanA calcium-scoring CT scan, also known as coronary artery calcium (CAC) scan, detects calcium deposits in the coronary arteries. This test assesses the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD), which can lead to cardiovascular events such as angina, heart failure, and sudden cardiac arrest.A calcium-scoring CT scan is generally recommended for individuals at intermediate risk of CAD without symptoms. It includes:Men aged 40-75 and women aged 50-75: Especially those with a...
543
Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:21

Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

Thoracic, aortic arch and abdominal aneurysms are significant vascular conditions that can present with various clinical manifestations and lead to serious complications. Understanding these manifestations and the appropriate diagnostic studies is essential for effective management and treatment.Thoracic Aortic AneurysmsThoracic aortic aneurysms often remain asymptomatic until they reach a size that impinges on adjacent structures. They typically cause deep, diffuse chest pain that radiates to...
391
Abdominal Aorta01:25

Abdominal Aorta

Once the aorta traverses the diaphragmatic plane at the aortic hiatus, it is known as the abdominal aorta. This anatomical structure is positioned leftward of the spinal column, encased within a cocoon of adipose tissue behind the peritoneal cavity. It terminates at the L4 vertebra, where it splits into the common iliac arteries. Prior to this bifurcation, the abdominal aorta gives rise to several vital branches.
The celiac trunk, a singular artery, divides into the left gastric artery, which...
2.6K
The Aorta01:14

The Aorta

The aorta is the largest artery in the human body. It originates from the left ventricle of the heart and extends down to the abdomen, where it splits into two smaller arteries. Structurally, it can be divided into four main parts: the ascending aorta, the aortic arch, the thoracic aorta, and the abdominal aorta.
The average diameter of the aorta is approximately 2-3 cm, but the size can vary depending on the section of the aorta and the individual's age, sex, and body size. The aorta is...
3.2K
Aneurysm III: Interprofessional Care01:26

Aneurysm III: Interprofessional Care

Aneurysm management involves either conservative medical therapy or surgical intervention, depending on the size and symptoms of the aneurysm. Conservative management is generally reserved for smaller, asymptomatic aneurysms, while larger or symptomatic aneurysms often necessitate surgical repair.Conservative Medical TherapyFor small, asymptomatic aneurysms, particularly abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) less than 5.5 centimeters in diameter, conservative medical therapy is recommended. This...
326
Atherosclerosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Tests01:27

Atherosclerosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Tests

Atherosclerosis is a progressive disorder that leads to the thickening and narrowing of arterial walls due to plaque buildup. This condition can cause various symptoms depending on the arteries affected:Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): This condition affects the coronary arteries and may lead to chest pain (angina), shortness of breath (dyspnea), heart attacks, and other heart disease symptoms.Cerebrovascular Disease: This affects blood flow to the brain, causing transient ischemic attacks (TIAs)...
586