Radiological diagnosis in cholangiocarcinoma: Application of computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and positron emission tomography

• Published in: Baillière's best practice & research. Clinical gastroenterology Vol. 29; no. 2; pp. 253 - 265
• Main Authors: Ringe, Kristina I., MD, Wacker, Frank, MD
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier Limited 01.04.2015
• Subjects: Abdomen; Bile; Bile Duct Neoplasms - diagnosis; Bile Ducts, Intrahepatic - pathology; Cancer therapies; Cholangiocarcinoma - diagnosis; Endoscopy; Gastroenterology; Gastroenterology and Hepatology; Humans; Liver cancer; Magnetic Resonance Imaging - methods; NMR; Nuclear magnetic resonance; Positron-Emission Tomography - methods; Radiopharmaceuticals; Tomography, X-Ray Computed - methods; Tumors; Computed tomography; Magnetic resonance imaging; Positron emission tomography; Cholangiocarcinoma
• ISSN: 1521-6918; 1532-1916
• DOI: 10.1016/j.bpg.2015.02.004

Abstract The purpose of radiological imaging in patients with suspected or known cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is tumour detection, lesion characterization and assessment of resectability. Different imaging modalities are implemented complementary in the diagnostic work-up. Non-invasive imaging should be performed prior to invasive biliary procedures in order to avoid false positive results. For assessment of intraparenchymal tumour extension and evaluation of biliary and vascular invasion, MRI including MRCP and CT are the primarily used imaging modalities. The role of PET remains controversial with few studies showing benefit with the detection of unexpected metastatic spread, the differentiation between benign and malignant biliary strictures, and for discriminating post therapeutic changes and recurrent CCA.