Cholangiographic Abnormalities in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Abstract

Patients (20) with inflammatory bowel disease, abnormal liver function tests and abnormal endoscopic retrograde cholangiograms had a spectrum of abnormalities affecting the intra- and extrahepatic biliary trees. The intrahepatic systems were abnormal in all patients and demonstrated ductal stenosis, ectasia, decreased arborization and major duct obstruction. The extrahepatic systems were abnormal in 75% of cases with stenosis, diverticula formation and mural irregularity being the most frequent abnormalities. The value of endoscopic retrograde cholangiography in this patient group is to exclude extrahepatic obstruction, establish a nonoperative diagnosis and assist in determining the method of treatment.