MRCP is an exciting new technique for the non-invasive evaluation of the biliary tree and pancreatic duct. It utilizes pulse sequences which are highly sensitive to stationary or slow flowing fluids to produce two and three dimensional images.

At Parkside MRI, we have acquired extensive experience in MRCP in the short time it has been clinically available. Click on any image below to see an enlargement of that image.

Case #1: 36 year old with right upper quadrant pain.		Case #2: Pregnant patient with severe abdominal pain.
	Normal MRCP.		Normal MRCP.
Case #3: 33 year old with unexplained abdominal pain.		Case #4: 91 year old with intermittent abdominal pain.
	Congenital absence of the gallbladder.		Biliary sludge within a dilated common duct.
Case #5: Recurrent abdominal pain after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.		Case #6: 85 year old with jaundice.
	3 mm retained common duct stone.		Impacted common duct stone.
Case #7: Recent laparoscopic cholecystectomy for gangrenous cholecystitis.		Case #8: 35 year old with recurrent pancreatitis.
	Axial MRCP image shows bile duct leak.		Pancreatic and bile duct stricture secondary to pancreatic cancer.

Discussion

MRCP has rapidly gained a role in the imaging evaluation of the biliary and pancreatic ducts. It has been shown effective in visualizing anatomic variants, and in evaluating the presence, location and etiology of bile duct and pancreatic duct obstruction.^1,2

At Parkside MRI, we perform MRCP with breathhold scans as short as seven seconds. Thus, in the cooperative patient a complete MRCP exam can be performed in less than 15 minutes.

If you would like more information about MRCP, please contact Parkside MR Center at 847.696.7900.

References

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