Diseases of the Gallbladder and the Biliary Tree

Abstract Cross-sectional imaging modalities including ultrasound (US), magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, and computed tomography (CT) play a critical role in the diagnosis of diseases biliary tract gallbladder. Biliary for evaluation obstructive jaundice seeks to diagnose level obstruction its cause. The identification dilated bile ducts necessitates strictures or filling defects, which is best performed with thin-section CT T2-weighted MR cholangiography (MRCP). Choledocholithiasis accompanying cholecystolithiasis most common cause modern three dimensional highly sensitive specific detection stones. Recognition gallbladder wall thickening surrounding edema may be seen acute cholecystitis, duct raises concern cholangitis malignancy. Primary sclerosing secondary such as recurrent pyogenic cholangitis, IgG4 related disease can develop chronic progressive cholestatic liver characterized by inflammation, fibrosis, stricture ducts. Familiarity typical clinical radiologic appearances various etiologies cholangiopathies malignancies also important accurate image interpretation.