E2914. Magnet PI: A Practical Review of Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography (MRCP)
Authors
John Shahin;
University of California Irvine Medical Center
Sungmee Park;
University of California Irvine Medical Center
Cameron Fateri;
University of California Irvine Medical Center
Jeanette Meraz;
University of California Irvine Medical Center
Riya Bansal;
University of California Irvine Medical Center
James Shi;
University of California Irvine Medical Center
Roozbeh Houshyar;
University of California Irvine Medical Center
Background
Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) is a commonly used imaging modality in medical practice. It consists of a complex set of sequences and images to evaluate hepatobiliary organs as well as other abdominal structures. Due to this complexity, it is often challenging for trainees to initially approach.
Educational Goals / Teaching Points
Understand indications for MRCP. Increase familiarity with image acquisition and optimization techniques. Describe MRCP sequences and their uses. Recognize the appearance of common disease processes on MRCP, with associated pitfalls.
Key Anatomic/Physiologic Issues and Imaging Findings/Techniques
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) techniques such as MRCP offer superior soft-tissue contrast compared to CT, but they are prone to unique artifacts. Techniques such as enlarging the field of view (FOV) or selecting TEs in a specific range can mitigate aliasing and black boundary artifact, respectively. Recognizing the appearance of biliary ductal dilation, extrinsic ductal compression, filling defects, and soft tissue masses on various sequences can be helpful to trainees, particularly as they undertake call responsibilities.
Conclusion
MRCP is a complex imaging modality that is often challenging for trainees to approach. Familiarity with techniques in image acquisition/optimization and patterns in common disease processes can improve trainees’ diagnostic ability with MRI.
