Biliary cystadenoma and cystadenocarcinoma echocardiography or ultrasound

On ultrasound, biliary cystadenoma is characterized by fluid filled multiloculated cyst with enhanced transmission. The cyst fluid may contain low level echoes from blood products, mucin, or proteinaceous fluid. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound demonstrates minimal enhancement since the tumors are largely avascular.

There are no specific imaging features that permit reliable differentiation of biliary cystadenoma from cystadenocarcinoma:

• On Ultrasound, biliary cystadenomas are typically multiloculated and demonstrate enhanced transmission.^[1]
• Mural nodules and papillary projections may project into the cyst lumen.
• The cyst is well-demarcated and thick-walled, globular or ovoid with a noncalcified wall.
• If septal or wall calcification is present then acoustic shadowing may be observed.^[2]
• The cyst fluid may contain low-level echoes from blood products, mucin, or proteinaceous fluid. Serous and bilious cyst fluid is generally anechoic.
• Doppler study may show the vascular flow within the lesion. Dilation of the biliary system can also be seen.^[3]
• Contrast-enhanced ultrasound demonstrates minimal enhancement since the tumors are largely avascular. Abnormally increased vascularity may be present peripherally or in the septa.^[2]

Template:WikiDoc Sources