Ultrasonographic evaluation of primary bile duct cancer in extrahepatic biliary tree

The authors analysed retrospectively 56 cases of bile duct cancer, which were confirmed by histologically in 47 cases and highly suspected by clinically and radiologically in 9 cases. The results were as follows: 1. The most prevalent age groups were 5th and 6th decade and a male to female ratio is 2.7:1. 2. The location of bile duct carcinomas were common bile duct in 36%, common hepatic duct in 25%, junction in 13%, porta hepatic in 11% and diffuse involvement in 5%. 3. The accuracy of predicting obstruction iste by ultrasonography was 76%. 4. Correct diagnosis as bile duct carcinoma was made in 29 cases (43%). 5. The echogenicity of bile duct carcinoma compare to liver parenchyma was hyperechoic in 10 cases (34.5%), isoechoic in 14 cases (48.3%), and hypoechoic in 5 cases (17.2%). 6. Posterior acoustic shadowing was seen in 5 cases. 7. The shape of obstruction site was abrupt cut-off in 12 cases (41%), funnel shape in 7 cases (24%) and indistinct in 10 cases (35%).