American Journal of Roentgenology, Vol 173, 613-617, Copyright © 1999 by American Roentgen Ray Society
Helical CT cholangiography for the detection and localization of bile duct leakage
HP Dinkel, R Moll, HJ Gassel, J Knupffer, W Timmermann, M Fieger and G Schindler
Department of Radiology, University of Wurzburg, Germany.
OBJECTIVE: We describe the use of helical CT cholangiography or helical CT
after administration of biliary i.v. contrast material to verify and
localize bile duct leakage. CONCLUSION: Helical CT cholangiography revealed
bile leaks in seven patients after penetrating trauma or liver or
gallbladder surgery and excluded bile leaks in two patients with blunt
liver trauma. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography was performed in only
one of seven patients with bile leakage and was avoided in an additional
two patients in whom CT cholangiography excluded leakage. The method is a
feasible, noninvasive tool for the detection and localization of bile leaks
and may help avoid endoscopic retrograde cholangiography.