CT cholangiography in suspected Caroli's disease

Two patients in whom computed tomography (CT) and sonography suggested the diagnosis of Caroli's disease are reported. The biliary/nonbiliary nature of the hepatic cysts was evident on a CT scan of the liver obtained immediately after intravenous cholangiography. This allowed an accurate analysis of the relationship of the biliary ducts to the cysts and easy identification of contrast medium, where present, within them. The use of this technique may avoid more invasive procedures that, although accurate in defining anatomic changes of the biliary ducts, may cause infection in patients with biliary stasis and cholangitis.