Dual-energy CT-cholangiography in potential donors for living-related liver transplantation: Improved biliary visualization by intravenous morphine co-medication

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • C. M. Sommer - , Heidelberg University  (Author)
  • C. B. Schwarzwaelder - , Heidelberg University  (Author)
  • W. Stiller - , Heidelberg University  (Author)
  • S. T. Schindera - , University of Bern (Author)
  • T. Heye - , Heidelberg University  (Author)
  • U. Stampfl - , Heidelberg University  (Author)
  • N. Bellemann - , Heidelberg University  (Author)
  • M. Holzschuh - , Heidelberg University  (Author)
  • J. Schmidt - , Heidelberg University  (Author)
  • J. Weitz - , Heidelberg University  (Author)
  • L. Grenacher - , Heidelberg University  (Author)
  • H. U. Kauczor - , Heidelberg University  (Author)
  • B. A. Radeleff - , Heidelberg University  (Author)

Abstract

Purpose: To prospectively evaluate whether intravenous morphine co-medication improves bile duct visualization of dual-energy CT-cholangiography. Materials and methods: Forty potential donors for living-related liver transplantation underwent CT-cholangiography with infusion of a hepatobiliary contrast agent over 40 min. Twenty minutes after the beginning of the contrast agent infusion, either normal saline (n = 20 patients; control group [CG]) or morphine sulfate (n = 20 patients; morphine group [MG]) was injected. Forty-five minutes after initiation of the contrast agent, a dual-energy CT acquisition of the liver was performed. Applying dual-energy post-processing, pure iodine images were generated. Primary study goals were determination of bile duct diameters and visualization scores (on a scale of 0 to 3: 0 - not visualized; 3 - excellent visualization). Results: Bile duct visualization scores for second-order and third-order branch ducts were significantly higher in the MG compared to the CG (2.9 ± 0.1 versus 2.6 ± 0.2 [P < 0.001] and 2.7 ± 0.3 versus 2.1 ± 0.6 [P < 0.01], respectively). Bile duct diameters for the common duct and main ducts were significantly higher in the MG compared to the CG (5.9 ± 1.3 mm versus 4.9 ± 1.3 mm [P < 0.05] and 3.7 ± 1.3 mm versus 2.6 ± 0.5 mm [P < 0.01], respectively). Conclusion: Intravenous morphine co-medication significantly improved biliary visualization on dual-energy CT-cholangiography in potential donors for living-related liver transplantation.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2007-2013
Number of pages7
JournalEuropean journal of radiology
Volume81
Issue number9
Publication statusPublished - Sept 2012
Peer-reviewedYes
Externally publishedYes

External IDs

PubMed 21696902

Keywords

Keywords

  • Biliary system, Cholangiography, CT, Dual-energy, Morphine