Endoscopic Ultrasound Versus Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography as A Diagnostic Tool for Patients with Dilated Common Bile Duct of Undetermined Etiology Detected by Abdominal Ultrasound

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: Common bile duct dilatation could result from various etiologies: choledochocholithiasis, common bile duct stricture, cholangiocarcinoma, periampullary diverticulum, pancreatic head mass, Oddi sphincter dysfunction and papillary stenosis, etc. A dilated common bile duct could denote a hidden pathological biliary condition; on the other hand it occurs in cases with advanced age or postcholecystectomy status in the absence of pathological affection. Objective: The aim of this study is to compare between the accuracy of endoscopic ultrasound and endoscopic retrograde cholangiography as a diagnostic tool for patients with dilated common bile duct in whom abdominal ultrasonography could not demonstrate the cause of dilation.