CT findings of intrahepatic peripheral cholangiocarcinoma

Objective:To analyse the CT features of intrahepatic peripheral cholangiocarcinoma(IHPCC) and to evaluate its value in the diagnosis of IHPCC.Methods:The CT features of 21 cases of surgically and pathologically confirmed IHPCC were retrospectively reviewed and analysed.Results:On the plain CT scans, 21 cases were of low density with ill defined border.Among 21 cases,there was a dilation of intrahepatic biliary ducts in 15 cases,a hepatolithiasis in 9 cases and common duct stones in 2 cases.Atrophy of hepatic lobe was found in 13 cases,and local retraction of the liver capsule adjacent to the tumor was displayed in 10 cases.On contrast-enhanced CT,a peripheral ring and nodular enhancement was found in 19 cases,and some patchy enhancement in 7 cases,linear enhancement in 5 cases and network enhancement in 4 cases on arterial phase in internal region.There was a further enhancement in the lesions on venous phase and 10～15 mins delayed phase.8 cases showed lymph node enlargment in hilar of liver and retroperitoneal space.No diffuse hepatic cirrhosis and portal vein tumor thrombi were found.Conclusion:There are some CT and pathological characteristics of IHPCC,which are useful for differentiating IHPCC from other space occupying lesions in the liver.CT dynamic scanning has an important value in the diagnosis of IHPCC.