Radiological appearance of the ampulla of Vater

The localized dilatation below the confluence of the bile and pancreatic ducts is known as the ampulla of Vater. The purpose of the present study was to delineate the radiological features of the choledochopancreaticoduodenal junction, with special reference to ampullar formation in this region. This was done by specimen radiography and review of the films from 255 examinations with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. Full evaluation was possible in 200 cases. Ampullar dilatation was observed in only 9 (5.1%) of the 175 patients with a common terminal opening. No ampullar dilatation was observed in the 25 patients with separate openings of the duct. The appearance in the presence of ampullar dilatation is described. The distal end of the common bile duct, below its confluence with Wirsung's duct, has been known as the ampulla of Vater for nearly 130 years. This is a most important diminutive region of the human body, but there is little in the literature concerning its radiological presentation. In this report a radiological study is presented on the choledochopancreaticoduodenal junction.