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dilated bile duct
Etiology:
- cholangitis
- ascending cholangitis
- cholangiocarcinoma
- pancreatic cancer*
- choledocholelithiasis
* a normal appearing pancreas on CT does not rule out pancreatic cancer
Radiology:
- RUQ abdominal ultrasound
- contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) imaging modality of choice if panceatic cancer suspected [2]
- magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography
- more sensitive than CT for pancreatic cancer
- more sensitive than RUQ abdominal ultrasound* & CT if choledocholelithiasis suspected [2]
- normal diameter: adults < 6-7 mm (see common bile duct)
* RUQ abdominal ultrasound is very sensitive for cholelithiasis but less sensitive for choledocholelithiasis [2]
General
abnormal imaging
References
- Medical Knowledge Self Assessment Program (MKSAP) 19
American College of Physicians, Philadelphia 2022
- NEJM Knowledge+