J Korean Radiol Soc.  1994 Oct;31(4):715-718.

Extrahepatic Metastasis of Peripheral Cholangiocarcinoma: CT Findings

• Lee BH
• Kim PN
• Cha SJ
• Lee NS
• Park CM
• Kim SH

Abstract

PURPOSE
To evaluate the extrahepatic spread of peripheral cholangiocarcinoma with CT.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We retrospectively reviewed CT findings of extrahepatic spread in thirty-six patients with peripheral cholangiocarcinoma confirmed adenocarcinoma at surgery(n=5) or percutaneous biopsy(n--31) without primary leion in other organs, and analysed the frequency and distribution of enlarged lymph nodes, direct invasion of adjacent solid organs, and thrombosis of major vessels.
RESULTS
Among the 36 cases, enlarged metastatic lymph node was noted in twenty-four(66.7%), direct invasion into adjacent organs in six(16.7%), portal and inferior vena caval thrombosis in five(13.9%). Enlarged lymph nodes were seen in hepatic nodes(n=16, 44.4%), portocaval nodes(n=15, 41.7%), interaortocaval nodes (n=10, 27.8) and celiac nodes in two(5.6%). Direct invasion was detected in the greater omentum(n=6), gallbladder(n:3) and stomach(n=2). Portal vein thrombosis(n:5) and thrombosis of inferior vena cava(n=2) were noted.
CONCLUSION
Lymph node metastasis was seen in 67% in patients with peripheral cholangiocarcinoma. Direct invasion to adjacent organs and thrombosis in portal vein or inferior vena cava were occasionally associated.

MeSH Terms

Adenocarcinoma
Cholangiocarcinoma*
Humans
Lymph Nodes
Neoplasm Metastasis*
Portal Vein
Retrospective Studies
Thrombosis
Vena Cava, Inferior