Sunday, February, 12, 2012

Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiogram (PTCA)

Table of Contents

Alternative Names

PTCA; Cholangiogram - PTCA


Normal Values

The bile ducts are normal in size and appearance for the age of the patient.


What abnormal results mean

The results may show that the ducts are enlarged, which may indicate the ducts are blocked. The blockage may be caused by scarring or stones. It may also indicate cancer in the bile ducts, liver, pancreas, or region of the gallbladder.

See also:

  • Blocked bile ducts
  • Cholangitis (infection in common bile duct)

Review Date: 01/31/2011
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; Jason Levy, MD, Northside Radiology Associates, Atlanta, Georgia. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)