Thickening of the bile duct wall can stem from a variety of etiologies.
Radiographic features
Ultrasound
- bile duct wall thickening
- bile duct walls are typically not visible when normal
- possible narrowing of the ducts with obstruction
- possible secondary signs of cholangitis, including debris in the biliary system
Differential diagnosis
Consider:
- 1. Schulte SJ, Baron RL, Teefey SA, Rohrmann CA, Freeny PC, Shuman WP, Foster MA. CT of the extrahepatic bile ducts: wall thickness and contrast enhancement in normal and abnormal ducts. AJR. American journal of roentgenology. 154 (1): 79-85. doi:10.2214/ajr.154.1.2104731 - Pubmed
- 2. Carroll BA, Oppenheimer DA. Sclerosing cholangitis: sonographic demonstration of bile duct wall thickening. AJR. American journal of roentgenology. 139 (5): 1016-8. doi:10.2214/ajr.139.5.1016 - Pubmed
- 3. Raman SP, Fishman EK. Abnormalities of the distal common bile duct and ampulla: diagnostic approach and differential diagnosis using multiplanar reformations and 3D imaging. AJR. American journal of roentgenology. 203 (1): 17-28. doi:10.2214/AJR.13.11288 - Pubmed
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