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Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiogram - Results

Alternative Names

PTCA; Cholangiogram - PTCA

Normal Values:

The bile ducts are normal in size and appearance for the age of the patient.

What abnormal results mean:

The results may show that the ducts are enlarged, which may indicate the ducts are blocked. The blockage may be caused by scarring or stones. It may also indicate cancer in the bile ducts, liver, pancreas, or region of the gallbladder.

See also:

Blocked bile ducts
Cholangitis (infection in common bile duct)

Gallstones, cholangiogram

Gallbladder anatomy

Reviewed last on: 3/5/2009
David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; and George F. Longstreth, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program, San Diego, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Alfdahl NH. Diseases of the gall bladder and bile ducts. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 159.

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