Computed tomographic cholangiography in a canine model of biliary obstruction

The CT scanner was used to generate the time-density relationship for hepatic parenchyma following Iodipamide (Cholografin, E.R. Squibb Co., New York, N.Y.) infusion. The curves which resulted from the normal, acutely obstructed, and chronically obstructed biliary system are shown. The peak enhancement of parenchyma is seen to be blunted in acute obstruction prior to anatomic evidence of dilated ducts. This finding may be of value in the early diagnosis of obstructive jaundice.