Evaluation of the Role of Multi detector Computed Tomography in Biliary Obstruction

Abstract

Biliary obstruction refers to the blockage of any duct that carries bile from the liver to the gallbladder or from the gallbladder to the small intestine. This can occur at various levels within the biliary system. In patients with suspected biliary obstruction, US has been regarded as the first imaging modality of choice. However, this modality did not provide sufficient information on the bile duct anatomy and the bile duct abnormalities. Because of the strong correlation between the presence of a dilated biliary ductal system and the presence of obstruction,CT imaging can accurately predict the presence or absence of biliary obstruction. The level of obstruction of the biliary tract is a key factor in developing a differential diagnosis. Recent advances in technology have made it easier to translate axial CT imaging of the bile ducts into some ways to assess the level of obstruction. The modern CT techniques have secured its position as the modality of choice in imaging biliary and pancreatic malignances. Although many imaging techniques including Ultrasonography, CT scan, MRCP, and ERCP can be used to evaluate the cause of biliary obstruction, each technique still has some limitations .