MRCP (magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography)

Last reviewed 01/2018

Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) is

  • imaging technique used for noninvasive work-up of patients with pancreaticobiliary disease
  • magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography is useful in the evaluation of a host of pancreaticobiliary disorders, such as congenital disorders, calculus disease, biliary strictures, sclerosing cholangitis, chronic pancreatitis, and cystic pancreatic lesions
  • provides useful preoperative information to surgeons and gastroenterologists
  • serves as a valuable tool in the assessment of postoperative pancreaticobiliary ductal anatomy

NICE state to (1):

Consider magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) if ultrasound has not detected common bile duct stones but the:

  • bile duct is dilated and/or
  • liver function test results are abnormal

Consider endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) if MRCP does not allow a diagnosis to be made.

Refer people for further investigations if conditions other than gallstone disease are suspected

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