Etiological Causes of Intrahepatic and Extrahepatic Bile Duct Dilatation

Yunfu Lv, Wan Yee Lau, Haiying Wu, Shunwu Chang, NingLiu, Yejuan Li, Jie Deng

This study aims to review the causes of intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile duct dilatation. Based on review of medical literature, a scientific classification of the causes is proposed. Intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile duct dilatation can be divided into two categories: congenital and acquired. The former includes the five classical Todani’s congenital types. The latter can be sub-classified according to the underlying pathogenesis, the relationship with bile duct lumen/wall/extralumen, or intrabiliary pressure.