[Multidetector-row CT of malignant biliary obstruction].

Multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT) is useful for the evaluation of malignant biliary obstruction because it allows faster scanning, which decreases motion and breathing artifacts, as well as thinner collimation. In addition, MDCT leads to improved 3-dimensional assessment of vascular structures and biliary tree. The purpose of this pictorial essay is to introduce scanning techniques and image acquisition methods for the evaluation of malignant biliary obstruction and to highlight the unique display of diagnostic information by multiplanar reformations of the biliary tract with MDCT.