Breath-hold magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography in the evaluation of malignant pancreaticobiliary obstruction.
OBJECTIVE
This study was designed to determine the effectiveness of magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) using a breath-hold single-shot fast spin echo (SSFSE) technique in imaging patients with malignant biliary and/or pancreatic duct obstruction.


METHODS
One hundred thirty-one breath-hold MRCP studies in patients with malignant pancreatic and/or biliary obstruction were evaluated. Pathologic diagnoses included pancreatic cancer, biliary malignancy, gallbladder carcinoma, hepatic neoplasms, malignant lymphadenopathy, and ampullary carcinoma. Two observers independently reviewed the images in a blinded fashion to assess the level of obstruction and the site of underlying tumor.


RESULTS
The level of obstruction was correctly identified in 104 of 131 cases (79%) by observer 1 and in 107 of 131 cases (82%) by observer 2. The site of underlying tumor was correctly identified in 113 of 131 cases (86%) by observer 1 and in 110 of 131 cases (84%) by observer 2.


CONCLUSIONS
Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography utilizing the SSFSE technique can accurately assess the level of obstruction and the site of underlying tumor in patients with malignant pancreaticobiliary obstruction, without the risks of cholangiography. This MRCP technique allows for visualization of intra- and extraductal anatomy and pathology.
Schwartz
Lawrence H
LH
Department of Radiology, Memmorial Sloan - Kettering Cancer Center, and Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY 10021, USA. Schwartl@MSKCC.org
Lefkowitz
Robert A
RA
Panicek
David M
DM
Coakley
Fergus V
FV
Jarnagin
William
W
Dematteo
Ronald
R
Fong
Yuman
Y
Blumgart
Leslie
L
D001650:Bile Duct Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*; D001661:Biliary Tract Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology; D002779:Cholestasis / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods; D010183:Pancreatic Ducts / Q000473:pathology; D010190:Pancreatic Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*