title: MR imaging of the biliary system.
abstract: Although ultrasound, computed tomography, and cholescintigraphy play essential roles in the evaluation of suspected biliary abnormalities, magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and MR cholangiopancreatography can be used to evaluate inconclusive findings and provide a comprehensive noninvasive assessment of the biliary tract and gallbladder. This article reviews standard MR and MR cholangiopancreatography techniques, clinical applications, and pitfalls. Normal biliary anatomy and variants are discussed, particularly as they pertain to preoperative planning. A spectrum of benign and malignant biliary processes is reviewed, emphasizing MR findings that aid in characterization.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, 34th and Spruce Streets, Philadelphia, PA 19104-4283, USA.
authors.forename: Benjamin L
authors.initials: BL
authors.lastname: Yam
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, 34th and Spruce Streets, Philadelphia, PA 19104-4283, USA. Electronic address: Evan.Siegelman@uphs.upenn.edu.
authors.forename: Evan S
authors.initials: ES
authors.lastname: Siegelman
mesh_terms: D016477:Artifacts; D001659:Biliary Tract / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000473:pathology; D001660:Biliary Tract Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D049448:Cholangiopancreatography, Magnetic Resonance; D003287:Contrast Media; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media
keywords: Bile ducts; Biliary; Gallbladder; MR imaging; MRCP; Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography; Magnetic resonance imaging