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
• magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography
  • more sensitive than CT for pancreatic cancer
  • more sensitive than RUQ abdominal ultrasound* & CT if choledocholelithiasis suspected
• normal diameter: adults < 6-7 mm (see common bile duct)

* RUQ abdominal ultrasound is very sensitive for cholelithiasis but less sensitive for choledocholelithiasis

More general terms

• abnormal imaging