Routine magnetic resonance cholangiography compared to intra-operative cholangiography in patients with suspected common bile duct stones.
BACKGROUND
Magnetic resonance cholangiography (MRC) is a non-invasive method for imaging biliary ducts. When used to exclude common bile duct (CBD) stones, MRC may obviate the need for intra-operative cholangiography (IOC). In this prospective study, MRC and IOC were compared for the diagnosis of suspected stones of the CBD.


METHODS
Thirty patients with gallstones and suspected CBD lithiasis (abnormal serum liver tests and CBD >7 mm on ultrasound) had MRC followed by open cholecystectomy and IOC. MR imaging was done using a 1.5-T whole body scanner (Signa, General Electric Medical Systems). A torso phased-array coil with a 4-channel receiver was used for data acquisition.


RESULTS
Over a period of 18 months, 30 patients (average age 53.9+/-13.3 years; range 38-76 years) were enrolled in this study. Eleven patients were male (36.7%) and 19 female (63.3%). MRC revealed CBD stones in 19 patients, while IOC revealed CBD stones in 22. The sensitivity of MRC in detecting CBD stones was 81.8%, and the specificity was 87.5%. The positive predictive value was 94.7%, and the negative predictive value was 63.3%.


CONCLUSIONS
Pre-operative MRC may obviate the need for IOC. MRC reduces operative time, is less invasive, and may also alleviate damage to the CBD that can occur during IOC. MRC can identify CBD stones pre-operatively and can help surgeons plan safe procedures. Pre-operative MRC should be done routinely in patients whose clinical or biochemical findings suggest the possibility of CBD stones.
Department of General Surgery, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran. fariborzeshghi404@msn.com
Fariborz
F
Eshghi
Roohollah
R
Abdi
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002758:Cholangiography; D049448:Cholangiopancreatography, Magnetic Resonance; D002763:Cholecystectomy; D042883:Choledocholithiasis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D003287:Contrast Media; D005260:Female; D042882:Gallstones / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007430:Intraoperative Care; D007472:Iohexol; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011300:Preoperative Care; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
D003287:Contrast Media; D007472:Iohexol