Vinotha Nadarajah MBBS, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Angharad Eynon FRCR, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Derrick F. Martin MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

The purpose of this exhibit is: 1) To review CT imaging of cases of small bowel obstruction with associated common bile duct dilatation 2) To determine the significance of common bile duct dilatation when there is no associated biliary pathology and no change in liver function tests 3) To suggest proposed mechanisms for this finding

 Discuss the association between SBO and CBD dilatation  CT images illustrating findings  Proposed mechanisms  SBO may result in a raise in the intraluminal pressure and thus physiologically cause back pressure at the Sphincter of Oddi  Distortion of the anatomy around the CBD especially at the Ampulla of Vater leads to increased pressure of the contents of the CBD, resulting in dilatation  Summary

The major teaching points of this exhibit are: 1) SBO may cause dilatation of the CBD. It is important to recognise the association in the absence of biliary pathology 2) CBD dilatation may therefore be a common but unrecognised or under reported finding in cases of SBO 3) The finding of ductal dilatation is thought to be not significant. Recognition of the association may alleviate the need for unnecessary further investigation or intervention in the asymptomatic patient

Nadarajah, V, Eynon, A, Martin, D, Small Bowel Obstruction and Associated Common Bile Duct Dilatation.  Radiological Society of North America 2007 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 25 - November 30, 2007 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2007/5011873.html