Contrast-enhanced MR cholangiography (MRCP) with GD-EOB-DTPA in evaluating biliary complications after surgery.
OBJECTIVE
We assessed the usefulness of contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance cholangiography (CE-MRC) with liver-specific contrast agent in evaluating the biliary tree after hepatic surgery.


METHODS
A total of 142 patients with suspected biliary complications after liver surgery underwent hepatobiliary MR before and after administration of gadolinium ethoxy benzylic diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (Gd-EOB-DTPA). Unenhanced MR cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) and postcontrast MRC were obtained in all patients. Blinded image evaluation and semiquantitative analysis comparing MRCP and CE-MRC were performed by two experienced radiologists.


RESULTS
In all cases, optimal postcontrast visualisation of the biliary tract was obtained. In 22 patients, a postsurgical biliary complication was confirmed. MRCP detected 64% of lesions, but in 36% of cases, an alteration was only suspected but not clearly defined. CE-MRC allowed definite diagnosis in 100% of cases.


CONCLUSIONS
Hepatobiliary-specific contrast agents allow for accurate and extensive study of biliary tract alterations, especially in assessing postsurgical complications.
Radiologia Clinica, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Conca 71, Torrette di Ancona, 60126, Ancona, Italy. lucasalvolini@alice.it
L
L
Salvolini
C
C
Urbinati
G
G
Valeri
C
C
Ferrara
A
A
Giovagnoni
D001660:Biliary Tract Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D049448:Cholangiopancreatography, Magnetic Resonance; D003287:Contrast Media; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA; D006801:Humans; D008099:Liver / Q000601:surgery*; D011183:Postoperative Complications
D003287:Contrast Media; C073590:gadolinium ethoxybenzyl DTPA; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA