Hilar cholangiocarcinoma: diagnosis and assessment of resectability with multi-slice CT        ZOU Jun-min*, CHEN Pei-long, XIE Shu-fei, et al.*Department of Radiology, Hospital of Maoming Nongken of Guangdong Province , Gaozhou 525200,China
Corresponding author: XIE Shu-fei , E-mail：shufeixie@yahoo.com.cn
Abstract    Objective    To summarize the multi-slice CT(MSCT) features of hilar cholangiocarcinoma，and also try to analyze the value of MSCT in evaluating the feasibility of resection. Methods    MSCT features of 28 patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma confirmed by clinical and pathological examination between August 2004 and June 2009 in the Hospital of Maoming Nongken of Guangdong Province were analyzed retrospectively. Bismuth-Corlette classification of the tumor was performed firstly. Feasibility of resection was then evaluated with MSCT images. The conclusion drawn by radiologists was compared with clinical outcomes finally. Results    The accuracy rate of MSCT in diagnosing hilar cholangiocarcinoma is 92.8%(26/28). The accuracy rate of MSCT in classifying tumor is 96.4%（27/28）. Thirteen patients were suggested resection by MSCT, however 10 of them can be resected during the operation. So positive predictive value of MSCT in evaluating the feasibility of resection is 76.9%(10/13). Fifteen patients were suggested to abandon resection by MSCT, and 14 of them were confirmed by operation and performed internal and external drainage. So negative predictive value of MSCT in evaluating the feasibility of resection is 93.3%(14/15). The total accuracy rate of MSCT in evaluating the feasibility of resection of hilar cholangiocarcinoma was 85.7%(24/28). Conclusion    MSCT can demonstrate hilar cholangiocarcinoma and assess the extent of tumor involvement accurately. It is an effective modality in assessment of feasibility of resection of hilar cholangiocarcinoma.