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Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine whether dynamic MRI could differentiate gallbladder carcinoma from chronic cholecystitis. Method: The dynamic MR findings of 50 patients with pathologically proven chronic cholecystitis and 13 with gallbladder carcinomas were correlated with the pathological findings. Results: In chronic cholecystitis with thickened wall, mucosa and muscle were shown in early images as smoothly delineated enhancement except in one case, and the subserosa with fibrosis was enhanced in late or delayed images. Unenhanced foci in the wall correlated with Rokitansky-Aschoff sinuses or mural stones. In carcinomas, all tumors showed irregularly delineated enhancement in early images. In late or delayed images, noncancerous portions were also enhanced. The outer margin of early enhancement correlated with the extension of the tumor. Conclusion: Dynamic MRI is useful for the differentiation of chronic cholecystitis from carcinoma and for the evaluation of its local extension.

Objective: We report the imaging features of hepatic peribiliary cysts (PC) and the course of their development on CT. Materials and Methods: Both CT and US findings were correlated with histopathologic findings in two patients with PC at autopsy. Five patients with cysts around the portal vein on CT but without histologic correlation were also included in this study. In six patients the course of PC development was observed. Results: In the two autopsy cases cystic dilatation of the peribiliary glands was confirmed. The cases showed continuous small cysts along the portal veins reflecting the periportal collar seen on CT and the abnormal MR signal intensity of the periportal area. Ultrasound (US) showed round or tubular anechoic lesions around the large portal tracts mimicking dilatation of the bile ducts. Clustered cysts and echogenic dots or bands around PC were also seen. In three of six cases the PCs gradually enlarged and increased in number. Conclusion: In patients with liver cirrhosis PCs can be demonstrated by CT, US, and MRI in the vicinity of the hepatic hilum. Peribiliary cysts enlarge gradually and must be differentiated from dilatation of bile ducts or edema of portal tracts