ICD-9-CM 88.97 OPS-301 code 3-843 | MeSH D049448 | |
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Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) is a medical imaging technique that uses magnetic resonance imaging to visualize the biliary and pancreatic ducts in a non-invasive manner. This procedure can be used to determine if gallstones are lodged in any of the ducts surrounding the gallbladder.
Contents
It was introduced in 1991.
Technique
MRCP makes use of heavily T2-weighted MRI pulse sequences. These sequences show high signal in static or slow moving fluids within the gallbladder, biliary ducts and pancreatic duct, with low signal of surrounding tissue.
Comparison to other techniques
In the diagnosis of pancreatic disorders, MRCP is a much less invasive investigation when compared to endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Although both techniques can image the ductal system in detail, MRCP also allows imaging of the surrounding parenchyma. In a study from 2008, 269 patients undergoing both ERCP and MRCP showed comparable results between the two techniques.