The "Christmas Tree" Sign on MR Cholangiogram in Left-Sided Cholangiohepatitis
Mohammad Ibrarullah1, Sadananda Meher1, Wani Hamza Bruno1
1Department of Surgical Gastroenterology, Apollo Hospitals, Bhubaneswar, 751012 India.
The Indian Journal of Surgery
|March 28, 2018
Summary
The "Christmas tree" sign on magnetic resonance cholangiogram (MRC) is a novel indicator for left-sided cholangiohepatitis. This finding aids in diagnosing this rare liver condition.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Hepatology
- Radiology
Background:
- Left-sided cholangiohepatitis is a rare inflammatory condition affecting the bile ducts and liver.
- Accurate and early diagnosis is crucial for effective management and preventing complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the
- Christmas tree
- sign observed on magnetic resonance cholangiogram (MRC) in patients with left-sided cholangiohepatitis.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of two patients diagnosed with left-sided cholangiohepatitis.
- Detailed review of magnetic resonance cholangiogram findings, focusing on characteristic imaging patterns.
Main Results:
- Both patients exhibited a distinct
- Christmas tree
- sign on their MRC.
- This sign correlated with the pathological findings of left-sided cholangiohepatitis.
Conclusions:
- The
- Christmas tree
- sign is a potentially valuable diagnostic marker for left-sided cholangiohepatitis on MRC.
- Recognition of this sign can improve diagnostic accuracy for this uncommon condition.
Related Concept Videos
Hepatic Portal System
The hepatic portal system, a critical part of our circulatory framework, transports nutrient-laden, deoxygenated blood from the gastrointestinal tract and spleen to the liver. This ingenious system plays an indispensable role in maintaining our body's metabolic equilibrium.
At its core, the hepatic portal vein is the result of a confluence of the superior and inferior mesenteric veins along with the splenic vein. Each of these veins has a unique role. The superior mesenteric vein is responsible...
At its core, the hepatic portal vein is the result of a confluence of the superior and inferior mesenteric veins along with the splenic vein. Each of these veins has a unique role. The superior mesenteric vein is responsible...
Liver Histology
The microscopic anatomy of the liver is a complex and intricate system that comprises numerous structural units known as liver lobules, each of which is comparable in size to a sesame seed. These hexagonal structures consist of plates of liver cells or hepatocytes, which are characterized by their versatility and abundance of cellular apparatus like rough and smooth ER, Golgi apparatus, peroxisomes, and mitochondria.
Hepatocytes perform a variety of essential functions. They secrete...
Hepatocytes perform a variety of essential functions. They secrete...
Gallbladder
The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ that plays a crucial role in our digestive system. Measuring about 10 cm in length, it is comparable in size to a kiwi fruit and is located in a hollow area on the lower surface of the liver. The gallbladder's primary function is to store and concentrate bile, a fluid produced by the liver that aids in digestion.
The gallbladder's anatomy consists of three regions: the fundus, body, and neck. Extending from the neck, the cystic duct joins the common...
The gallbladder's anatomy consists of three regions: the fundus, body, and neck. Extending from the neck, the cystic duct joins the common...
Diseases of the Liver and Gallbladder
Liver and gallbladder diseases are a significant health concern, with prominent conditions including cirrhosis, hepatitis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and gallstones. Jaundice is a common manifestation of liver and biliary disease.
Cirrhosis is characterized by the scarring of hepatic lobules in the liver, which are replaced by fibrous tissue, affecting the liver's normal functioning. NAFLD, on the other hand, is caused by an excessive build-up of fat in the liver, not related to...
Cirrhosis is characterized by the scarring of hepatic lobules in the liver, which are replaced by fibrous tissue, affecting the liver's normal functioning. NAFLD, on the other hand, is caused by an excessive build-up of fat in the liver, not related to...
Hepatitis
Hepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver most commonly caused by hepatotropic viruses (A–E), though non-infectious causes such as alcohol and drugs also exist.Hepatitis AHepatitis A virus (HAV) is a non-enveloped RNA virus of the Picornaviridae family. It is primarily transmitted via the fecal-oral route, typically through ingestion of contaminated food or water. After ingestion, HAV enters the bloodstream through the oropharynx or intestinal epithelium and reaches the liver. The...
Cholecystitis
Cholecystitis is inflammation of the gallbladder, most commonly caused by obstruction of the cystic duct. This blockage prevents bile from draining, leading to gallbladder distension, inflammation, and potentially serious complications. This condition may present acutely or chronically and can happen with or without gallstones.EtiologyAbout 95% of cholecystitis cases are calculous, caused by gallstones blocking the cystic duct, leading to bile accumulation and inflammation of the gallbladder...


