| Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography | |
|---|---|
| Intervention | |
MRCP image showing stones in the distal common bile duct: (a) Gallbladder with stones (b) Stone in bile duct (c) Pancreatic duct (d) Duodenum. |
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| ICD-9-CM | 88.97 |
| MeSH | D049448 |
| OPS-301 code: | 3-843 |
Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) is a medical imaging technique that uses magnetic resonance imaging to visualise the biliary and pancreatic ducts in a non-invasive manner.[1] This procedure can be used to determine if gallstones are lodged in any of the ducts surrounding the gallbladder.
It was introduced in 1991.[2]
In the diagnosis of biliary and 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 recent study of 269 patients undergoing both ERCP and MRCP, the MRCP compared favourably with the more invasive technique.[3] As with other forms of Magnetic Resonance imaging, appearances can sometimes be deceptive.[4]
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