Improved accuracy in the diagnosis of intrahepatic bile duct ectasia in Caroli's disease by combination of ultrasound and endoscopic retrograde cholangiography

Caroli's disease is characterized by dilatation of the intrahepatic bile du cts. Cholangitis, liver cirrhosis and development of a cholangiocarcinoma a re possible complications. For optimal therapy, a correct diagnosis of the extent of the disease is mandatory, The present report demonstrates that th e combination of endoscopic retrograde cholangiography and ultrasound may l ead to a more reliable diagnosis of the extent of Caroli's disease. It is t herefore essential to perform ultrasound in all these patients.