When is MRCP used?

When is MRCP used?

The uses of MRCP include: Checking your liver, bile ducts, gallbladder and pancreas for gallstones, tumours, infection or inflammation. Investigating the cause of inflammation of your pancreas (pancreatitis). Investigating unexplained tummy (abdominal pain).

What is the purpose of MRCP?

Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) is a technique for viewing the bile ducts and the pancreatic duct. It can also show the pancreas, gallbladder and liver. MRCP uses magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to produce detailed pictures of these ducts and organs.

What is the indication for ERCP?

ERCP indications include obstructive jaundice, biliary or pancreatic ductal system disease treatment or tissue sampling, suspicion for pancreatic cancer, pancreatitis of unknown cause, manometry for sphincter of Oddi, nasobiliary drainage, biliary stenting for strictures and leakage, drainage of pancreatic pseudocysts.

Which is better MRCP or CT scan?

MRCP has an overall accuracy far superior to CT scans in depicting calculi in CBD, as Norero emphasized too [4]. The effectiveness of MRCP is the greatest especially in very small calculi compared to CT. Regarding the number of stones, CT can show that too. We demonstrated one, two or more calculi.

Can MRCP detect gallstones?

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) has emerged as an excellent imaging study for the noninvasive identification of gallstones anywhere in the biliary tract, including the common bile duct (see the image below).

What is the difference between ERCP and MRCP?

MRCP was developed in 1991 and techniques are continuing to improve. A major feature of MRCP is that it is not a therapeutic procedure, while in contrast ERCP is used for both diagnosis and treatment. MRCP also does not have the small but definite morbidity and mortality associated with ERCP.

When is ERCP not indicated?

Absolute contraindications for ERCP include the following: Patient refusal to undergo the procedure. Unstable cardiopulmonary, neurologic, or cardiovascular status. Existing bowel perforation.

What is the difference between an MRI and a MRCP?

MRCP is a subtype of an MRI scan that is better suited for detailed images of the pancreas, gallbladder, and bile ducts. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a test that uses powerful magnets, radio waves, and a computer to get detailed pictures of body organs.

How accurate is MRCP?

MRCP has a sensitivity of 71–100%, a specificity of 85% and an accuracy of 89–94% 5, 6, 7, 8. Another advantage is that it is a non-invasive procedure and contrast administration is not necessary.

Can an MRCP miss pancreatitis?

Selective use of magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography in clinical practice may miss choledocholithiasis in gallstone pancreatitis.

When to order MRCP?

An MRCP is performed when there is a suspicion that a bile duct obstruction is present and causing an issue. Not only can this test determine if a bile duct obstruction is present, this test can often determine what is causing the issue. Unfortunately, while the MRCP is a great way to diagnose the problem,…

What does a MRCP scan show?

Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) is a technique for viewing the bile ducts and the pancreatic duct. It can also show the pancreas, gallbladder and liver . MRCP uses magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to produce detailed pictures of these ducts and organs.

Can MRCP detect pancreatic cancer?

For the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, MRCP had a sensitivity of 84% and a specificity of 97%, whereas ERCP had a sensitivity of 70% and a specificity of 94%. MRCP is at least as sensitive as ERCP for the detection of pancreatic cancer and may prevent unnecessary exploratory procedures.