Evaluation of morphological changes in hepatic parenchyma, bile ducts, and hepatic vasculature in patients with oriental cholangiohepatitis using ultrasonography

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study is to study the morphological changes in hepatic parenchyma, to characterize the intra and extrahepatic ductal changes and to study the morphological changes in vasculature of the liver in patients with oriental cholangiohepatitits (OCH). Materials and Methods: All documented or newly diagnosed cases of OCH, referred to the department of radiodiagnosis and imaging from Departments of Surgical Gastroenterology and Medical Gastroenterology were evaluated by ultrasonography (USG) and color Doppler study. The dilatation of the intrahepatic as well as extra-hepatic ducts was noted. The morphological changes in the liver parenchyma as well as hepatic vasculature were studied. Results: USG showed calculi in 53 (98.1%) cases, ductal dilatation in 52 (96.3%), and worms within biliary ducts in 10 cases (18.5%). Among parenchymal changes, atrophy was seen in 9 cases (16.6%), space-occupying lesion was seen in seven cases (12.9%), and peri-portal echogenicity in 10 cases (18.5%). Significant association was found between atrophic segments and reduced/absent blood flow in the affected segmental portal venous branches. Conclusion: USG is the preferred primary examination. Further imaging depends on the USG findings, the patient's symptomatology, the clinical problems, and the intended mode of treatment. Advances in Knowledge: USG plays a pivotal role in the evaluation of oriental cholangiohepatitis in the low resource settings where higher modalities like MRI are not available, especially in the remote areas of developing countries, as it has high degree of accuracy in the diagnosis of OCH.