Percutaneous Transhepatic Cholangiogram (PTCA)
DefinitionPercutaneous transhepatic cholangiogram (PTCA) is a type of X-ray examination of the bile ducts inside and outside the liver, performed after a contrast medium is injected directly into a liver bile duct.
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Why is the Test Performed?
Bile is a by-product of protein metabolism which is created in the liver and excreted into the intestines via the bile ducts. If bile cannot be removed from the body, it collects in the blood and is seen as a yellow discoloration of the skin and eyes (jaundice).
As well, the pancreas creates digestive fluids which drain via a common bile duct into the intestine, and thus obstruction can prevent the drainage of the fluids and may cause pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas).
PTCA may distinguish between obstructive and non-obstructive causes of jaundice and pancreatitis. If there is an obstruction, it can then be located and described.
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