Diagnosis of choledocholithiasis by computed tomography

ABSTRACT

In order to determine the value of CT in the diagnosis of choledocholithiasis, the authors retrospectivelystudied 33 cases of choledocholithiasis proven by surgery from January 1983 to June 1985. Among them, 15 caseswere examined by both CT and ultrasonography. The results were as follows 1. There were 12 men and 21 women withmean age of 57 years. 2. CT correctly diagnosed choledocholithiasis in 29(88%) of total 33 cases. There were 4false negative diagnoses and there were no false positive. 3. In 15 cases which were examined by both CT andultrasonography, 13(86%) cases were correctly diagnosed by CTand 7(46%) by utrasonography. 4. The majority(88%) ofcholedocholithiasis were demonstrated as calcific density and 4 cases(12%) were nearly isodense to pancreas. 5.Most cases were shown as homogenous density and 5 cases(16%) as ringlike structure with low density center andhigh density periphery. 6. Additional findings, such as intrahepatic and/or GB stones, pericholangitic abscess, GBempyema, ascites, and liver cirrhosis were also identified by CT. 7. CT is effective for noninvasive and accuratedetection of choledocolithiasis. So invasive cholangiography, such as E.R.C.P or P.T.C can be reserved in manycases of choledocholithiasis.