Accuracy of multidetector computed tomography cholangiography in evaluation of cause of biliary tract obstruction

Objective: To evaluate accuracy of multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) cholangiography in evaluation of cause of biliary tract obstruction. Material and Method: MDCT cholangiographs of 50 patients with clinically suspected biliary tract obstruction were retrospectively reconstructed and reviewed. The causes of obstruction identified by MDCT were divided into three groups including calculus, benign stricture, and malignancy. Final diagnosis was based on pathological diagnosis or endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography or follow-up. The MDCT diagnosis and final diagnosis were compared. Results: The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative redictive value of MDCT cholangiography for detection of calculus, benign stricture, and malignancy were 91.7-100%, except for sensitivity and positive predictive value for detection of benign stricture, which were 66.7% and 66.7% respectively. Conclusion: MDCT cholangiography is a fast, noninvasive technique that offers high diagnostic accuracy in evaluation of cause of biliary tract obstruction.