Abstract
Since computed Tomography (CT) progressed from helical CT to multidetector-row CT (MDCT), it became possible to diagnose fine lesions by thin-slice examination. Thus, the precision of imaging diagnosis has greatly improved, and imaging diagnostic systems of the biliary tract have changed dramatically. Previously, before MDCT, the diagnosis of a longitudinal extension was performed by cholangiography, and the diagnosis of vertical extension was mainly performed by angiography. After the development of MDCT, such imaging provided enough data for the diagnosis of both longitudal and vertical extension. Three-dimensional (3D) construction using MDCT ensures that understanding the 3D imaging of artery, portal vein and bile duct can be easy. Therefore, MDCT became an indispensable tool for judging indications for surgery.
Since 1999, MDCT has been used for the diagnosis in our department. MDCT is very useful for the diagnosis of vertical spreading and longitudinal extension of cholangiocarcinoma from pathological findings. Therefore, the treatment strategy is easily planned and promptly decided.
Here, we show several typical imagings of MDCT, and comment on the basic and abilities of MDCT.
