Cholangiography is the imaging of the
bile duct (also known as the biliary tree) by
x-rays and an injection of contrast medium.
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Types
There are at least four types of cholangiography:
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Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTC): Examination of
liver
The liver is a major organ only found in vertebrates which performs many essential biological functions such as detoxification of the organism, and the synthesis of proteins and biochemicals necessary for digestion and growth. In humans, it ...
and bile ducts by x-rays. This is accomplished by the insertion of a thin needle into the liver carrying a contrast medium to help to see blockage in liver and bile ducts.
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Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Although this is a form of imaging, it is both diagnostic and therapeutic, and is often classified with surgeries rather than with imaging.
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Primary cholangiography (or ''perioperative''): Done in the operation room during a biliary drainage intervention.
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Secondary cholangiography: Done after a biliary drainage intervention.
In both cases
fluorescent fluids are used to create contrasts that make the diagnosis possible. Cholangiography has largely replaced the previously used method of
intravenous cholangiography (IVC).
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Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) is another cholangiography method.
References
{{Medical imaging
Projectional radiography
Hepatology
Digestive system imaging