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 ADVANCED IMAGING CENTER PHYSICIAN NEWS |
 October 25, 1999 |
Advanced Topics in GI radiology: MR Cholangio Pancreatography (MRCP)
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ADVANCED IMAGING CENTER PHYSICIAN NEWS |
October 25, 1999 |
Q. What is MRCP?
MRCP is a noninvasive ultrafast MR technique for imaging of the pancreaticobiliary tree.
Q. What MRI technique is utilized in MRCP?
Ultrafast techniques such as HAlf-Fourier Single-shot Turbo Spin Echo (HASTE). The study is performed in a few seconds on our high-field 1.5 Tesla short-bore Siemens Symphony in a breathhold.
Q. How does it compare to ERCP?
Diagnostically, it is as accurate, but obviously it is not therapeutic.
Q. What are some of the diagnoses that can be made with MRCP?
· Common duct stones. Gallstones (including impacted stones in the neck not visible by ultrasound). · Intra or extrahepatic biliary dilatation. Pancreatic duct dilatation. · Cholangitis.Q. What are some of the advantages of MRCP?
- Noninvasive … no injections. No complications.
- Allows for simultaneous MR imaging of the abdomen (liver, pancreas, etc.) for detection of possible masses, fluid collections, abscesses, pseudocysts, etc.
- If positive, generates referrals for gastroenterologists and surgeons.
Q. When would you use MRCP?
Here's some circumstances when MRCP is used as the initial test:
- In patients who have contraindications to ERCP.
- Children or older patients.
- Suspect stone in the bile duct (if MRCP negative, stop; if positive, stone extraction with MRCP or surgery).
For more information, please call me personally at (661) 949-8111.
Ray Hashemi, MD, PhD,
Director
