Resolution of pneumobilia as a predictor of biliary stent occlusion

ObjectiveTo predict biliary stent occlusion on computed tomography (CT) from the loss of pneumobilia.MethodsA total of 66 patients with common bile duct stents with pneumobilia after initial stent placement had a follow-up CT and diagnostic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Two readers evaluated all CT exams for pneumobilia. Resolution or decrease of pneumobilia on CT was compared with ERCP findings.ResultsSensitivity and specificity was 60–64% and 95% with a positive predictive value of 97% and a negative predictive value of 49–51%.ConclusionResolution or reduction of pneumobilia after stent placement is specific (95%) and is moderately accurate (70–73%) for predicting biliary stent occlusion.