reduplicatio and ectasia of bile ducts

Proliferation and dilatation (ectasia) of both interlobular bile ducts and cholangioles can be seen in most conditions that impede bile flow, whether this obstruction is secondary to lesions in the biliary tree (e.g., bile duct obstruction due to stones) or intrahepatic cholestatic disorders (e.g., bacterial sepsis).

Neutrophilic infiltration of cholangioles may also be present when the associated cholestasis is severe and involves the periportal zones.

In addition, sometimes the cholangioles are markedly dilated and filled with biliary concretions (inspissated bile).

Proliferation of ductules may also be seen in certain hepatic space-occupying lesions (e.g., focal nodular hyperplasia), and is quite striking adjacent to large intrahepatic ducts containing Clonorchis sinensis (liver fluke).

All the liver diseases listed in this table often show bile duct reduplication and ectasia.

In addition, those disorders that also may exhibit biliary concretions within the ductules are noted in an adjacent column.