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The normal retrograde cholangiogram: a definition of normal caliber
1Radiology Department, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Verdun Street, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia.
Abdominal Imaging
|September 1, 1997
Summary
Normal bile duct size varies widely, increasing slightly with age. This study establishes normal ranges for common bile duct (CBD) and common hepatic duct (CHD) calibers on retrograde cholangiograms.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Gastroenterology
- Biliary System Imaging
Background:
- Establishing normal biliary duct dimensions is crucial for diagnosing conditions like biliary atresia or cholangiocarcinoma.
- Previous studies have not comprehensively defined normal ductal calibers across a wide age spectrum using retrograde cholangiography.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the normal range of common bile duct (CBD) and common hepatic duct (CHD) calibers.
- To investigate the relationship between ductal caliber and patient age.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 136 retrograde cholangiograms from patients with confirmed normal biliary trees.
- Exclusion of patients with prior cholecystectomy, choledocholithiasis, or pancreatitis.
- Measurement of CBD and CHD diameters, uncorrected for radiographic magnification.
Main Results:
- Mean CBD caliber was 8.5 mm (±2.7 mm SD) and mean CHD caliber was 8.1 mm (±2.6 mm SD).
- A statistically significant increase in CBD caliber (0.5 mm/decade) and CHD caliber (0.35 mm/decade) was observed with advancing age.
- A CBD caliber of 13.9 mm represents the upper limit of normal (mean + 2 SD).
Conclusions:
- Normal cholangiographic bile duct caliber exhibits considerable variation.
- Age is a significant, albeit small, factor contributing to ductal dilatation.
- These findings provide valuable reference ranges for interpreting retrograde cholangiograms.