Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography of the biliary ducts: techniques, clinical applications, and limitations.
Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) is a noninvasive method capable of generating images of the biliary tree that resemble those provided by direct invasive cholangiographic techniques. MRCP is based on the ability of heavily T2-weighted sequences to obtain images in which static fluid in the bile ducts appears bright against a dark background. MRCP allows display of both cross-sectional and projectional information without the need for contrast media injection. Because the projectional images resemble those of direct cholangiography, they are readily accepted by gastroenterologists and surgeons. Although the exact role of MRCP for the evaluation of the biliary system has not been fully defined, continued advances in both technique and experience have begun to clarify the potential uses of MRCP in the workup of biliary diseases. This review will discuss these developing clinical roles and their implications for patient management as well as the imaging principles, techniques, limitations, and artifacts of MRCP.
Department of Radiology, Boston University Medical Center, Massachusetts, USA.
M A
MA
Barish
J A
JA
Soto
E K
EK
Yucel
D016477:Artifacts; D001649:Bile Duct Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D001652:Bile Ducts / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*