Clinical application of three-dimensional cholangiography for choledochal cysts

Three-dimensional cholangiography was performed in 17 choledochal cyst patients. All patients (2 boys and 15 girls) had undergone MR cholangiography (MRC). Seven patients were examined after intravenous cholangiography followed by 3D CT cholangiography (Static CTC). Nine patients underwent dynamic CT cholangiography during intravenous contrast injection (Dynamic CTC). Eight type I cysts and nine type IV cysts were diagnosed by 3D cholangiography pre-operatively. Fifteen patients underwent surgery afterwards. The morphology and lesion extent identified by imaging studies were identical to the operative findings. Three dimensional cholangiography produced high-quality spatial images comparable to conventional modalities. It is a rapid, reliable modality for assessing choledochal cysts and is feasible both for diagnosis and surgery. In addition, MRC can readily demonstrate the pancreatic duct. Dynamic CTC can also disclose the relationship of the portal vein and biliary system. Static CTC produces the best contrast in the biliary tree.