J Korean Radiol Soc.  1994 Apr;30(4):687-691.

MR Features of Common Hepatic Duct Cholangiocarcinoma

• Kim MY
• Auh YH
• Lee MG
• Goo DE
• Ha HK

Abstract

PURPOSE
The role of MRI in the detection of cholangiocarcinoma of the common hepatic duct has rarely been described. This study was attempted to ascertain characteristic MR features of cholangiocarcinoma.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The T1(500/30, TRs/TEs) and T2 weighted(200/80, TRs/TEs) MR images were obtained from nine patients with cholangiocarcinoma of the common hepatic duct. The common hepatic lesions were detected in seven cases. MR features of cholangiocarcinoma were analysed according to the signal intensity and associated findings.
RESULTS
The seven cases showed lower signal intensity than the surrounding normal liver parenchyma on T1 weighted image. On T2 weighted image, the tumor showed isosignal intensity and hyperintensity in four and three patients, respectively. T2 image also revealed diffusely increased signal intensity in some hepatic lobe or segment in four cases, and Intrahepatic periductal high signal intensity in one case. Other associated MR findings were intrahepatic metastasis, and intratumoral hemorrhage, each noted in a different case.
CONCLUSION
T2 weighted Image appears to be effective in the detection of cholangiocarcinoma of the common hepatic duct and evaluation of its associated intrahepatic lesions.

MeSH Terms

Cholangiocarcinoma*
Hemorrhage
Hepatic Duct, Common*
Humans
Liver
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Neoplasm Metastasis