Radiological Findings of Recurrent Pyogenic Cholangiopathy

Abstract

Recurrent pyogenic cholangiopathy(RPC), formerly known as oriental cholangiopathy, is an entity characterized by stenosis of the intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile duct, formation of pigmented intraductal stones and dilation. Our objective was to discuss the presence of recurrent pyogenic cholangiopathy in our present presentation with radiological images. RPC is a destructive disease caused by the intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile ducts, recurrent attacks of cholangitis, stasis in the bile ducts, formation of abscesses, strictures, and dilatations, as well as parasitic infections in etiology. Patients with RPK produce most commonly E. coli, pseudomonas, klebsiella, proteus species, and anaerobes in biliary cultures. Sonographic and CT findings include intrahepatic or extrahepatic duct stones, extrahepatic duct dilatation, relatively intermediate or intrahepatic duct dilatation, focal or large area bile duct dilatation, increased periportal echogenicity, segmental hepatic atrophy, and existing gallstones. Stones in the intrahepatic biliary tract can be removed by interventional radiology or surgery.