Contrast-Enhanced Endoscopic Ultrasound for Evaluation of Common Bile Duct in Presence of Portal Cavernoma

Abstract

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is an excellent imaging modality for the evaluation of common bile duct (CBD) because of its close proximity to the transducer placed in duodenum. However, in the presence of portal cavernoma, identification and proper evaluation of CBD become difficult because of presence of numerous venous collaterals. In these circumstances, the evaluation of CBD is more difficult if it is nondilated. In these difficult situations, contrast-enhanced EUS can provide better and clear images of CBD and therefore seems to be an excellent modality to evaluate nondilated CBD in the presence of portal cavernoma.

Keywords

• endosonography
• common bile duct
• gall bladder stones