Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography

Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography
Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography
Intervention

MRCP image showing stones in the distal common bile duct: (a) Gallbladder with stones (b) Stone in bile duct (c) Pancreatic duct (d) Duodenum.
ICD-9-CM 88.97
MeSH D049448
OPS-301 code: 3-843

Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) is a medical imaging technique that uses magnetic resonance imaging to visualise the biliary and pancreatic ducts in a non-invasive manner.[1] This procedure can be used to determine if gallstones are lodged in any of the ducts surrounding the gallbladder.

It was introduced in 1991.[2]

Comparison to other techniques

In the diagnosis of biliary and pancreatic disorders, MRCP is a much less invasive investigation when compared to endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Although both techniques can image the ductal system in detail, MRCP also allows imaging of the surrounding parenchyma. In a recent study of 269 patients undergoing both ERCP and MRCP, the MRCP compared favourably with the more invasive technique.[3] As with other forms of Magnetic Resonance imaging, appearances can sometimes be deceptive.[4]

References

  1. ^ Prasad, SR; D. Sahani, S. Saini (2001-11). "Clinical applications of magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography.". Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology 33 (5): 362–6. PMID 11606850. 
  2. ^ Albert L. Baert (13 February 2008). Encyclopedia of Diagnostic Imaging. Springer. pp. 123–. ISBN 9783540352785. http://books.google.com/books?id=e3F4NaY3fgQC&pg=PA123. Retrieved 3 July 2011. 
  3. ^ Hekimoglu K, Ustundag Y et al. MRCP vs. ERCP in the evaluation of biliary pathologies: review of current literature. J Dig Dis. 2008 Aug;9(3):162-9.[1]
  4. ^ Jordan AN, Kodati S, Zeki S. A deceptive magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatogram? Grand Rounds 10:25-27; 2010, [2]