Preoperative evaluation in resectability of Klatskin tumor with 16-row spiral CT cholangiography and angiography

Objective To evaluate prospectively the preoperative use of 16-multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) with cholangiography and angiography in determining the resectability of hilar cholangiocarcinoma.Methods From January 2002 to January 2009,75 consecutive patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma underwent preoperative MDCT with cholangiography and angiography.3D images of the portal vein,hepatic artery,and bile ducts were created and viewed simultaneously.The accuracy of MDCT with cholangiography and angiography was determined by comparison with intraoperative and pathologic findings.Results All patients tolerated the CT imaging well.The sensitivity,specificity,and accuracy rates were 92.9%,100%,and 96%for portal invasion and 83.3%,100 %,and 93.3%for hepatic arterialinvasion.The accuracy rate of longitudinal tumor extension,using the Bismuth-Corlette classification system,was 96 %.The sensitivity,specificity,and accuracy of prediction of resectability were 95.7%,82.1%,and 90.7%,respectively.Conclusion Preoperative MDCT with cholangiography and angiography gave a good assessment of the degree of biliary and vascular involvement of hilar cholangiocarcinoma.It also accurately predicted resectability in patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma. Key words: Bile duct neoplasms; Cholangiography; Angiography