Cholangiography
Encyclopedia
Cholangiography is the imaging of the bile duct
(also known as the biliary tree) by x-rays. There are at least two kinds of cholangiography:
In both cases fluorescent fluids are used to create contrasts that make the diagnosis possible. Cholangiography has largely replaced the previously used method of intravenous cholangiography
(IVC).
Bile duct
A bile duct is any of a number of long tube-like structures that carry bile.Bile, required for the digestion of food, is excreted by the liver into passages that carry bile toward the hepatic duct, which joins with the cystic duct to form the common bile duct, which opens into the intestine.The...
(also known as the biliary tree) by x-rays. There are at least two kinds of cholangiography:
- percutaneous transhepatic cholangiographyPercutaneous transhepatic cholangiographyPercutaneous transhepatic cholangiography or percutaneous hepatic cholangiogram is a radiologic technique used to visualize the anatomy of the biliary tract. A contrast medium is injected into a bile duct in the liver, after which X-rays are taken...
(PTC): Examination of liverLiverThe liver is a vital organ present in vertebrates and some other animals. It has a wide range of functions, including detoxification, protein synthesis, and production of biochemicals necessary for digestion...
and bile ducts by x-rays. This is accomplished by the insertion of a thin needle into the liver carrying a contrast medium to help to see blockage in liver and bile ducts. - endoscopic retrograde choledochography (ERC). Although this is a form of imaging, it is both diagnostic and therapeutic, and is often classified with surgeries rather than with imaging.
In both cases fluorescent fluids are used to create contrasts that make the diagnosis possible. Cholangiography has largely replaced the previously used method of intravenous cholangiography
Intravenous cholangiography
Intravenous cholangiography is a form of cholangiography that was introduced in 1954.It is sometimes used when ERC is unsuccessful....
(IVC).