[Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography: sensitive and specific diagnostic method for suspected choledolithiasis].
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the role of magnetic resonance pancreaticography (MRCP) in the diagnostic process of common bile duct stones.


METHODS
Retrospective.


METHODS
All 27 MRCPs performed in the period December 1997-December 1998 in the Deventer Hospital, the Netherlands, were evaluated using chart examination. The group comprised 11 males and 16 females with an average age of 57 years (SD 3.2) with anamnestic or biochemical cholestasis. If at MRCP stones were diagnosed, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreaticography (ERCP) was performed. If MRCP was without abnormalities, no further diagnostic procedures were performed. The findings at MRCP were compared with those at ERCP and with the clinical course. The MRCP examinations were performed on a 1.5 Tesla MR unit.


RESULTS
In 16 patients MRCP was performed before laparoscopic cholecystectomy and in 5 there after. In 5 MRCP was performed to rule out a biliary cause of acute pancreatitis and in 1 patient because of an elevated alkaline phophatase after laparotomy for an abdominal stab injury. There was one false-positive MRCP result and no false-negative ones. Accordingly, the sensitivity of MRCP for choledocholithiasis was 100% and the specificity 95%.
Afd. Heelkunde, Deventer Ziekenhuis, Postbus 5001, 7400 GC Deventer.
J W
JW
Leytens
M P
MP
van Proosdij
K
K
Koster
M E
ME
Schattenkerk
B G
BG
Ziedses des Plantes
H J
HJ
Hazenberg
E H
EH
Eddes
D002758:Cholangiography / Q000379:methods; D002760:Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde / Q000379:methods*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D042882:Gallstones / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D018810:Magnetic Resonance Angiography; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity