Primary biliary cirrhosis: evaluation with T2-weighted MR imaging and MR cholangiopancreatography.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this retrospective study is to evaluate the role of T2-weighted MR imaging (MRI) and MR cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) findings in the diagnosis of primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC).


METHODS
The following T2-weighted MRI and MRCP findings: segmental hepatic atrophy/hypertrophy, irregular liver surface, parenchymal lace-like fibrosis, rounded low signal intensity lesions centering portal vein branches (periportal halo sign), periportal hyperintensity (cuffing), splenomegaly, ascites, lymphadenopathy, venous collaterals, and the configuration of intrahepatic biliary ducts were reviewed for their diagnostic significance by two observers in 13 female patients (mean age: 49 years) with PBC. Discordant readings of the observers were resolved at consensus.


RESULTS
When parenchymal lace-like fibrosis and periportal halo sign were seen together the sensitivity of T2-weighted MR images was 69%. In six cases periportal hyperintensity (cuffing) and periportal halo sign were seen together. Segmental hypertrophy was present in nine patients and hepatic surface irregularity due to regenerative nodules were present in 10 patients. Lymphadenopathy was seen in 10, splenomegaly was seen in 5, collateral vascular structures were seen in 2 and minimal perihepatic free fluid was seen in 2 patients. MRCP images revealed various mild irregularity in the intrahepatic bile ducts in 8 patients and focal narrowing at the common bile duct level in 1 patient.


CONCLUSIONS
MRI and MRCP may support the clinical and laboratory findings of PBC even in the early stages of the disease. MRI can also be a choice of method for the recommended prolonged follow up.
Haliloglu
Nuray
N
Ankara University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Radiology, Ibni Sina Hospital, 06100 Ankara, Turkey. nurayunsal2@hotmail.com
Erden
Ayse
A
Erden
Ilhan
I
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D049448:Cholangiopancreatography, Magnetic Resonance / Q000379:methods*; D038524:Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008105:Liver Cirrhosis, Biliary / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity