[Value of negative oral contrast media in MR cholangiopancreatography (MRCP)].
OBJECTIVE
Evaluation of the use of a negative oral contrast material in MR cholangiopancreatography (MRCP).


METHODS
We performed MRCP in single-shot technique (TSE, TR = 2800 ms, TE = 1100 ms, ETL = 64) in 38 patients before and 20-30 min after oral administration of 300-600 ml of a negative oral contrast material. The visualization ducts and details important for the diagnosis was evaluated in a blinded manner. Ductal diameters were measured. Both sets of images were evaluated qualitatively.


RESULTS
The ductal diameters did not change after administration of oral contrast material. In 1/3 of all cases the ductal structures were superimposed by a high signal intensity of fluid in the gastrointestinal tract, especially in the tail of the pancreas. After administration of oral contrast material only in 3 patients could a complete visualization of the ducts not be achieved. In 5 cases, details relevant for the diagnostic decision could be seen only on post-contrast images. The anatomic orientation was not compromised by the absence of signal in the gastrointestinal tract.


CONCLUSIONS
Negative oral contrast material should be given before performing a MRCP to provide non-superimposed visualization of the bile and pancreatic ducts. There is no negative influence of the oral contrast material on the diameter of the ducts.
Petersein
J
J
Institut für Radiologie, Universitätsklinikum Charité der Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin. jan.petersein@charite.de
Reisinger
W
W
Mutze
S
S
Hamm
B
B
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001652:Bile Ducts / Q000473:pathology; D015209:Cholangitis, Sclerosing / Q000175:diagnosis*; D002769:Cholelithiasis / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D052203:Ferrosoferric Oxide; D006801:Humans; D007501:Iron / Q000009:adverse effects; D008099:Liver / Q000473:pathology; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D058185:Magnetite Nanoparticles; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010087:Oxides / Q000009:adverse effects; D010179:Pancreas / Q000473:pathology; D010190:Pancreatic Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*; D010195:Pancreatitis / Q000175:diagnosis*; D012016:Reference Values; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012833:Siloxanes / Q000009:adverse effects
D003287:Contrast Media; D058185:Magnetite Nanoparticles; D010087:Oxides; D012833:Siloxanes; C088769:ferumoxsil; D007501:Iron; D052203:Ferrosoferric Oxide