MRCP in the Evaluation of Hepatobiliary Pathologies

Abstract

Aims and objectives

1. 1.       To evaluate and correlate accuracy of MRCP in diagnosing suspected cases of hepato-biliary obstruction. 
2. 2.       To know the level and grade of obstruction in clinically suspected biliary obstruction. 
3. 3.       To know the anatomy of hepatobiliary tree.

Materials And Methods
Clinical records of 70 patient with suspected Hepatobiliary pathologies, of all age group who presented to the department of Radio diagnosis BMCRI for MRCP during June 2013 to September 2014 where analyzed prospectively.

Various sequences in coronal, sagittal and axial planes were obtained.

Results

Out of 70 patients who presented to us abnormal findings were there in 53 patients (aprox. 76%). In our study stricture and mass lesions in lower part of Common Bile Duct were better evaluated by MRCP. Post operative stricture also better evaluated by MRCP. 

In all cases of chronic pancreatitis, calcification was better seen by USG. But pancreatic duct dilatation, irregularity and pancreatic duct calculi were well demonstrated by MRCP.
Available ERCP/Histo pathological examination and per/postoperative records were compared and MRCP was ~98% accurate in diagnosis.

Conclusion

MRCP is an accurate, one of the non invasive modality with significant role in evaluation of hepatobiliary duct pathologies. In patients with hepatobiliary pathologies though USG is the primary modality of choice, it  has very less diagnostic accuracy in benign and malignant strictures in lower end of CBD, post operative biliary tree anatomy and pathology. So all patients having biliary and pancreatic pathology not diagnosed by USG must be evaluated by MRCP.