Endoscopy 1997; 29(6): 487-495
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-1004253
Special Topic: Gastroenterologic Radiology

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Magnetic Resonance Pancreatography

M. Barish1 , J. Soto2 , J. Ferrucci1
  • 1Dept. of Radiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
  • 2Dept. of Radiology, University of Antioquia, Medellin, Colombia
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
08 May 2008 (online)

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Abstract

Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) uses magnetic resonance (MR) pulse sequences in which static fluid appears bright against a low signal or dark background. When these MR images are subjected to postprocessing techniques, they produce images that resemble the pancreatograms obtained using endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). The MRCP examination is easily performed, is noninvasive, requires no contrast injection, and has no known complications. The place of MRCP in the evaluation of disorders of the pancreas is not yet fully established, but several well-defined roles have already emerged. These include the evaluation of the pancreatic duct after failed or incomplete ERCP, and the evaluation of complete pancreatic duct obstruction. The technical aspects required for MRCP of the pancreatic duct, and the established and emerging roles for MRCP in the pancreatic duct, are described here.

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