Preoperative Radiologic Evaluation of Cholangiocarcinoma

• Main Author: So Yeon Kim
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Jin Publishing & Printing Co. 2017-03-01
• Series: The Korean Journal of Gastroenterology
• Subjects: Cholangiocarcinoma; Multidetector-row computed tomography; Magnetic resonance imaging; Imaging; diagnostic; Neoplasm staging
• Online Access: http://www.kjg.or.kr/journal/view.html?doi=10.4166/kjg.2017.69.3.159

In patients with cholangiocarcinoma, surgical resection with curative intent is the only way to achieve cure. Since surgical resection of cholangiocarcinomas is technically demanding, determination of resectability and accurate preoperative staging are crucial. For these purposes, high quality imaging including multidetector computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging with magnetic resonance cholangiopancreaticography, is mandatory. This article will present recent advances in imaging techniques for cholangiocarginomas, potential pitfalls in imaging evaluation, and a checklist for preoperative radiologic assessment of resectability in these patients with an emphasis on perihilar cholangiocarinoma.