Abstract
Aiming at more accurate diagnosis of stricture of the bile duct, especially more appropriate differentiation between benign and malignant one, 16 cases of the disease in a 5-year period were retrospectively reviewed for clinical findings and imaging diagnostic methods based on obtained images of the strictures. The results were:
1) Aging was accompanied by a significant increase in occurrence of malignancy; significantly higher levels in WBC, bilirubin and ALP were observed in malignant cases; but no significant difference was noted laboratory findings, sex, disease period, and severity of the disease. 2) Direct cholangiography was considered valuable, however, there were some cases in which we had difficulty in differential diagnosis even by this method. 3) From images of the strictures obtained, the differentiation between benigns and malignancies could be provided by the location but not by the length, minimal diameter, and side of the stricture. Some helpful informations were given from the condition of the wall and form of the stricture. Nevertheless, there remained several cases with difficulties in diagnosis, for which PTCS appeared available.
