Radha Rani Kaki1, Bomidi Sudha Rani2, Bonthu Anuradha3, Karri Sambasiva Rao4, Pasam Kusumalatha5, Kommana Satya Suneetha6
BACKGROUND
Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) was introduced in 1991 as a noninvasive method of imaging the biliary tree. Although, Endoscopic Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) has been the mainstay for diagnosing and treating pancreaticobiliary disease, complications such as pancreatitis, cholangitis, haemorrhage and duodenal perforation have made its limited use as a routine diagnostic test. Although, ERCP is still the standard of reference for imaging the pancreaticobiliary system, MRCP is the examination of choice in a setting where ERCP is difficult or impossible. It is useful in cases with severe biliary obstruction to evaluate the ducts proximal to the obstruction.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
In this prospective cohort study, 50 patients were studied predominantly by MRI and also by CT and ultrasound (wherever necessary). Imaging findings were evaluated, tabulated and correlated with surgical and histopathological findings and also clinical findings (wherever available). The findings were statistically analysed.
RESULTS
Most patients were in age range of 20-30 years. Male:females ratio was 5:3. Most of the cases came with pain abdomen and jaundice for evaluation were subjected to MRCP. Among those most common cases were chronic pancreatitis, cholelithiasis, pseudocysts and postop follow up cases to evaluate postop biliary strictures/biliary enteric anastomotic strictures and bile leaks.
CONCLUSION
MRCP in combination with other investigations like ultrasound, CT and clinical findings can be helpful in early diagnosis and for proper management of the patient.
