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

Reference:

• NICE (October 2014).Gallstone disease
• Prasad SR et al. Clinical applications of magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography. J Clin Gastroenterol. 2001 Nov-Dec;33(5):362-6.