Intrahepatic Peripheral Cholangiocarcinoma: Comparison of Dynamic CT and Dynamic MRI

PURPOSE: The purpose of this work was to compare dynamic MRI (D-MRI) with dynamic CT (D-CT) for the diagnosis of peripheral cholangiocarcinoma (PCC) of the liver. METHOD: Twenty patients with PCC underwent both D-CT and D-MRI during the early, middle, and delayed phase after contrast medium administration. The findings from D-MRI were compared with those from D-CT. RESULTS: D-CT and D-MRI exhibited a similar tumoral enhancement pattern, and this enhancement was more conspicuous on D-MRI. A wedge-like enhancement area peripheral to the tumor was observed in 9 (45%) patients on D-CT and 11 (55%) patients on D-MRI. Ductal dilatation was found in 13 (65%) patients on both techniques. Vascular involvement and extrahepatic invasion were seen in nine (45%) and two (10%) patients, respectively. The relationship of the tumor to the vessels and surrounding organs was more easily evaluated on D-CT. CONCLUSION: Both D-CT and D-MRI can provide important information for the diagnosis of PCC. D-CT is better than D-MRI for demonstrating vascular involvement and extrahepatic invasion. D-MRI gives more conspicuous enhancement.