J Korean Radiol Soc.  1998 Oct;39(4):741-747. 10.3348/jkrs.1998.39.4.741.

Accuracy of MR Imaging for Resectability of Extrahepatic Bile Duct Carcinoma

• Ko HK
• Kim MJ
• Chung JB
• Choi JS
• Choi BW
• Chung JJ
• Yoo HS
• Lee JT

• KMID: 2201224
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3348/jkrs.1998.39.4.741

Abstract

PURPOSE: To determine the accuracy of preoperative MR imaging for evaluation of resectability of extrahepaticbile duct carcinoma.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Thirty-four patients with proven extrahepatic bile duct carcinomaunderwent pre-operative MR imaging. All MR examinations were performed with a 1.5 T system, using a phased-arraymulticoil. Tumor resectability was prospectively determined by two radiologists who reached consensus. Tenpatients did not undergo surgery because the preoperative MR imaging, CT and endoscopic findings all indicatedunresectability. Twenty-five patients subsequently underwent surgical exploration, and their imaging andpathologic and laparotomic findings were compared.
RESULTS
Twenty-two of 34 cases (65%) were resectable. Amongthe 22 cases resectable in laparotomy, pre-operative MR imaging had suggested that 20 were resectable, andsensitivity for resectability was thus 91%. Among the 22 cases in which MR imaging had suggested resectability,macroscopic clearance was complete in 20, giving a positive value of 91%. MR imaging underestimated portal venousor hepatic arterial invasion, and in one case missed small (<1 cm) hepatic metastases. In two cases, MR imagingoverestimated portal venous or hepatic arterial encasement.
CONCLUSION
MR imaging is a useful diagnosticmodality for preoperative assessment of resectability of extrahepatic bile duct cancer.

Keyword

Bile ducts, MR; Bile ducts, neoplasm; Magnetic resonance(MR), comparative studies; Magnetic resonance(MR),treatment planning

MeSH Terms

Bile Ducts, Extrahepatic*
Consensus
Humans
Laparotomy
Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
Neoplasm Metastasis
Prospective Studies