The diagnostic accuracy of magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography and ultrasound compared with direct cholangiography in the detection of choledocholithiasis.

AIM: To determine the diagnostic accuracy of magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) and ultrasound (US) in the diagnosis of choledocholithiasis in a large group of patients with bile duct stones confirmed at direct cholangiography. Also, to compare bile duct stones confirmed at direct cholangiography. Also, to compare bile duct stone characteristics using the three different investigations, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), MRCP and US. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 191 patients (M:F, 76:115; mean age, 66 years; range, 24-92 years) were investigated by direct cholangiography, MRCP and US. Their final diagnosis as determined at direct cholangiography were choledocholithiasis (n = 34), strictures (n = 47) and normal ducts (n = 110). The direct cholangiographic methods used for diagnosis of choledocholithiasis were ERCP (n = 29), intraoperative cholangiography (n = 3) and percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (n = 2). The bile duct stone characteristics were compared using ERCP, MRCP and US in the 29 patients in whom stones were exclusively diagnosed by ERCP. RESULTS: Compared with the final diagnosis, MRCP had a sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy of 91%, 98% and 97%, respectively, in the diagnosis of choledocholithiasis. MRCP resulted in three false-negative and three false-positive findings, four of which occurred due to confusion with lesions at the ampulla. US had a sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy of 38%, 100% and 89%, respectively, in the diagnosis of choledocholithiasis. ERCP diagnosed more stones and the stones were more proximally distributed within the bile duct at ERCP when compared with MRCP. CONCLUSION: MRCP has a high diagnostic accuracy (97%), similar to that at direct cholangiography, in the diagnosis of choloedocholithiasis. It has the potential to replace diagnostic ERCP and select patients with choledocholithiasis for therapeutic ERCP.     

A prospective comparison of magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in the evaluation of patients with suspected biliary tract disease.

AIM: To determine the diagnostic accuracy of magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) compared with direct cholangiography in the detection of biliary tract disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS: MRCP was performed in 100 patients in whom direct cholangiographic correlation (ERCP, n = 98; PTC, n = 9; intraoperative cholangiography, n = 3) was available for comparison. The MRCP examinations were performed using a two-dimensional multi-slice, fast spin echo (FSE) technique and a local surface coil. The diagnoses at direct cholangiography were choledocholithiasis in 30 patients, benign and malignant strictures in 28 patients and normal bile ducts in 42 patients. The nature of the strictures (benign, n = 2; tumour, n = 18; lymphnode recurrence, n = 3; unknown histology, n = 5) was determined by one or more of the following procedures: surgery (n = 8), biopsy (n = 15), cytology (n = 6) and cross-sectional imaging/follow-up findings (n = 3). RESULTS: MRCP diagnosed choledocholithiasis with a sensitivity of 93%, specificity of 99% and accuracy of 97 %. It resulted in two false-negative and one false-positive findings when compared with direct cholangiography. MRCP accurately diagnosed the presence and level of strictures in all patients. The overall sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of MRCP in the detection of bile duct lesions were 97%, 98% and 97%, respectively. CONCLUSION: MRCP has a high diagnostic accuracy when compared with direct cholangiography in the detection of bile duct disease.     

MR cholangiopancreatography versus endoscopic sonography in suspected common bile duct lithiasis: a prospective, comparative study

OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to compare the accuracy of MR cholangiopancreatography and endoscopic sonography for the diagnosis of common bile duct stones in patients with a mild to moderate clinical suspicion of common bile duct stones. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Forty-seven patients were prospectively enrolled. Inclusion criteria included acute pancreatitis, subclinical jaundice, and clinical features of common bile duct stone migration. Radial endoscopic sonography and MR cholangiopancreatography with the single-shot fast spin-echo technique were performed a maximum of 48 hr apart. The gold-standard diagnosis was obtained with ERCP (n = 20) or intraoperative cholangiography (n = 14) if the results of endoscopic sonography or MR cholangiopancreatography were abnormal or if a cholecystectomy was performed, or by clinical and biochemical follow-up (n = 11) if the results of endoscopic sonography and MR cholangiopancreatography were normal. RESULTS: The final diagnosis was common bile duct stones in 16 patients, malignant obstructions in four, and another biliary disease in two (lithiasis migration aspect with papillary edema); 23 patients had no biliary disease. The sensitivity and specificity of MR cholangiopancreatography were, respectively, 90.5% and 87.5% for etiologic diagnosis and 87.5% and 96.6% for the detection of common bile duct stones. The corresponding values for endoscopic sonography were 86.4% and 91.3% for etiologic diagnosis and 93.8% and 96.6% for visualization of choledocholithiasis. Accuracy did not significantly differ between the techniques. CONCLUSION: In cases of mild to moderate suspicion of choledocholithiasis, the accuracies of endoscopic sonography and MR cholangiopancreatography are similar. Because MR cholangiopancreatography is noninvasive, it may be preferred for this indication.     

不同影像检查方法诊断胆总管结石的比较研究

目的评价超声、多层螺旋CT(MSCT)、磁共振胆胰管成像(MRCP)、内镜逆行性胰胆管造影(ERCP)对胆总管结石的诊断价值。方法回顾分析在我院疑诊为胆总管结石的患者,选取同时行B超、MSCT及MRCP的94例患者,以ERCP相关治疗或手术为诊断胆总管结石的"金标准"进行统计分析。选取术前行MRCP检查,并经ERCP检查及治疗证实为胆总管结石的患者共65例,按结石大小分组统计比较MRCP、ERCP的诊断率。结果 B超、MSCT、MRCP诊断胆总管结石的敏感度分别为63.3%、74.7%、87.3%,特异度分别为53.3%、80.0%、86.7%,准确度分别为61.7%、75.5%、87.2%;2检验显示准确度由高到低分别为MRCP、MSCT、B超。分析不同大小的结石:MRCP独立诊断时三组结石准确度之间差异有统计学意义,对直径0.5cm及以下的微小结石显示不佳(P<0.05);ERCP独立诊断时三组准确度之间差异没有统计学意义;各组结石分别同时用MRCP与ERCP诊断,两种检查方法之间的准确度均没有统计学意义。结论 B超和MSCT诊断胆总管结石有一定的局限性,可作为胆总管结石首选的筛查方法,尤其是急诊患者;MRCP安全、无创伤,在一定程度上可以替代诊断性ERCP;ERCP对胆总管结石的诊疗方面具有较大临床优势。     

Diagnosis of intrahepatic stones: superiority of MR cholangiopancreatography over endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of MR cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for the diagnosis of intrahepatic stones. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Of the 318 patients who underwent MRCP examinations at our institution during an 18-month period, we identified 49 patients who subsequently underwent surgery or cholangioscopic stone removal with proof of intrahepatic stones. Thirty-four of these patients also underwent ERCP; they made up our study population. All images were interpreted for the presence of bile duct stones: MRCP images were interpreted independently by two reviewers, and ERCP studies were interpreted by one reviewer who was unaware of the MRCP findings. RESULTS: The sensitivity and specificity of MRCP for detecting intrahepatic stones were 97% and 93%, respectively, whereas those of ERCP were 59% and 97%, respectively. MRCP showed a significantly higher sensitivity than ERCP in the diagnosis of intrahepatic stones (p < 0.001). We found no significant difference between MRCP and ERCP in sensitivity or specificity for detecting calculi in the common duct or gallbladder. CONCLUSION: MRCP is a more effective diagnostic method than ERCP for the evaluation of intrahepatic stones.     

Detection of common bile duct stones: comparison between endoscopic ultrasonography, magnetic resonance cholangiography, and helical-computed-tomographic cholangiography

OBJECTIVES: New modalities, namely, endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS), magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP), and helical computed-tomographic cholangiography (HCT-C), have been introduced recently for the detection of common bile duct (CBD) stones and shown improved detectability compared to conventional ultrasound or computed tomography. We conducted this study to compare the diagnostic ability of EUS, MRCP, and HCT-C in patients with suspected choledocholithiasis. METHODS: Twenty-eight patients clinically suspected of having CBD stones were enrolled, excluding those with cholangitis or a definite history of choledocholithiasis. Each patient underwent EUS, MRCP, and HCT-C prior to endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography (ERCP), the result of which served as the diagnostic gold standard. RESULTS: CBD stones were detected in 24 (86%) of 28 patients by ERCP/IDUS. The sensitivity of EUS, MRCP, and HCT-C was 100%, 88%, and 88%, respectively. False negative cases for MRCP and HCT-C had a CBD stone smaller than 5mm in diameter. No serious complications occurred while one patient complained of itching in the eyelids after the infusion of contrast agent on HCT-C. CONCLUSIONS: When examination can be scheduled, MRCP or HCT-C will be the first choice because they were less invasive than EUS. MRCP and HCT-C had similar detectability but the former may be preferable considering the possibility of allergic reaction in the latter. When MRCP is negative, EUS is recommended to check for small CBD stones.     

Role of magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography in diagnosing choledochal cysts: Case series and review

AIM:To determine the merits of magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography(MRCP) as the primary diagnostic test for choledochal cysts(CC’s).METHODS:Between 2009 and 2012,patients who underwent MRCP for perioperative diagnosis were identified.Demographic information,clinical characteristics,and radiographic findings were recorded.MRCP results were compared with intraoperative findings.A PubMed search identified studies published between 1996-2012,employing MRCP as the primary preoperative imaging and comparing results with either endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP) or operative findings.Detection rates for CC’s and abnormal pancreaticobiliary junction(APBJ) were calculated.In addition detection rates for clinically related biliary pathology like choledocholithiasis and cholangiocarcinomas in patients diagnosed with CC’s were also evaluated.RESULTS:Eight patients were identified with CC’s.Six patients out of them had typeⅣCC’s,1 had type I and 1 had a new variant of choledochal cyst with confluent dilatation of the common bile duct(CBD) and cystic duct.Seven patients had an APBJ and 3 of those had a long common-channel.Gallstones were found in 2 patients,1 had a CBD stone,and 1 pancreatic-duct stone was also detected.In all cases,MRCP successfully identified the type of CC’s,as well as APBJ with ductal stones.From analyzing the literature,we found that MRCP has 96%-100% detection rate for CC’s.Additionally,we found that the range for sensitivity,specificity,and diagnostic accuracy was 53%-100%,90%-100% and 56%-100% in diagnosing APBJ.MRCP’s detection rate was 100% for choledocholithiasis and 87% for cholangiocarcinomas with concurrent CC’s.CONCLUSION:After initial ultrasound and computed tomography scan,MRCP should be the next diagnostic test in both adult and pediatric patients.ERCP should be reserved for patients where therapeutic intervention is needed.     

肝外胆管梗阻的磁共振胆胰管造影诊断

目的 评价磁共振胆胰管造影（ＭＲＣＰ）对肝外胆管梗阻性疾病的临床诊断价值。方法 对５４例肝外胆管梗阻性疾病（肝外胆管结石３０例,恶性胆管梗阻２４例）进行ＭＲＣＰ检查,并与临床诊断或手术和病理结果对照分析。ＭＲＣＰ采用不屏气快速自旋回波（ＴＳＥ）序列重工Ｔ２ＷＩ扫描,结合呼吸触发及脂护抑制技术,原始图像以最大信号强度投影（ＭＩＰ）法进行三维重建。结果 全部５４例ＭＲＣＰ检查均一次成功,５２例胆胰管显     

Imaging patients with "post-cholecystectomy syndrome": an algorithmic approach

AIM: To assess the role of ultrasound (US), magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) and liver function tests (LFTs) in the evaluation of selected patients presenting with late post-cholecystectomy syndrome (PCS) who were referred for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a retrospective study a final group of 42 patients with PCS referred for diagnostic ERCP underwent MRCP and abdominal US. ERCP and MRCP images were assessed for bile duct diameters and the presence of strictures and stones. A common bile duct (CBD) diameter of < 10mm was considered normal, whereas > or = 10mm was considered abnormal on US. Findings were correlated to LFTs with contingency table results performed for single techniques and combination of methods. RESULTS: In total 14 stones and one stricture were seen. US had a high negative predictive value (86.4%). MRCP had a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 88.0%. ERCP is the most accurate test but failed in 11 patients, five of whom had a stone. The accuracy of US and LFTs increases to 93.8% if test results agree in either negative or positive outcome. CONCLUSION: US and LFTs are first-line tests in PCS. If the CBD on US is > or = 10mm, but no cause is identified, MRCP should be performed. If US and LFTs are normal then MRCP is not necessary. The availability of LFTs raises the diagnostic value of imaging.     

The role of 99mTc mebrofenin hepatobiliary scanning in predicting common bile duct stones in patients with gallstone disease

BACKGROUND: A dilated common bile duct and/or elevated serum alkaline phosphatase, raises a suspicion of bile duct stone(s) in patients with gallstones. Cholangiography, either endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) or magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP), is the best method for diagnosing bile duct stones. ERCP has the disadvantage of being invasive, and there is a risk of complications; while MRCP is costly and is not widely available. AIM: The objective of the present study was to evaluate the role of hepatobiliary nuclear scanning in diagnosing bile duct stones. METHODS: Twenty-five patients with suspected common bile duct (CBD) stones underwent hepatobiliary scintigraphy. The results of scintigraphy were compared with cholangiograms obtained by ERCP in 11 patients and MRCP in 14 patients, considering MRCP/ERCP as the 'gold standard'. RESULTS: Scintigraphy showed features suggestive of CBD stones in 11 of the 25 patients. The results of ERCP/MRCP confirmed that eight of them had stones. Scintigraphy showed no features of CBD stones in the remaining 14 patients. ERCP/MRCP showed CBD stones in two of these 14 patients. Thus, scintigraphy had a sensitivity of 80% and a specificity of 80%. CONCLUSION: We conclude that scintigraphy has good sensitivity and specificity in predicting CBD stones in patients with gallstone disease and a dilated CBD.     

磁共振胰胆管造影诊断胆管系统结石

目的：评价磁共振胰胆管造影在胆管系统结石中的诊断价值。材料和方法：对１００例胆管系统结石的患者进行了ＭＲＣＰ检查,采用不屏气快速自旋回波（ＦＳＥ）序列重Ｔ２加权成像,并用呼吸触发、脂肪抑制和最大信号强度投影（ＭＩＰ）的三维重建方法。对ＭＲＣＰ的诊断结果与手术或临床作了对照分析。结果：本组病例均获得了诊断质量的ＭＲＣＰ图像;１００例胆道结石的患者共有１５８处结石：肝内胆管结石２６例次,胆囊结石５６例次,总胆管结石７３例次和总肝管结石３例次。胆管系统结石的主要ＭＲＣＰ表现为：圆形或卵圆形信号缺失（充盈缺损）;倒杯口征;靶征;铸型样结石。ＭＲＣＰ结合原始图像对胆管系统结石诊断总检出率为９０％,而ＭＲＣＰ对胆管系统结石诊断部检出率为８２％两者比较（Ｐ〈０．０５）。结论：ＭＲＣＰ结合原始图像对胆管系统结石的诊断有较高的准     

MR cholangiopancreatography: prospective comparison of a breath-hold 2D projection technique with diagnostic ERCP

The aim of this study was to compare prospectively a breath-hold projection magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) technique with diagnostic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Seventy-six patients with suspected strictures or choledocholithiasis were referred for MRCP and subsequent ERCP examination, which were performed within 4 h of each other. The MRCP technique was performed using fat-suppressed rapid acquisition with relaxation enhancement (RARE) projection images obtained in standardised planes with additional targeted projections as required by the supervising radiologist. Two radiologists (in consensus) assessed the MRCP results prospectively and independently for the presence of bile duct calculi, strictures, non-specific biliary dilatation and pancreatic duct dilatation, and recorded a single primary diagnosis. The ERCP was assessed prospectively and independently by a single endoscopist and used as a gold standard for comparison with MRCP. Diagnostic agreement was assessed by the Kappa statistic. The MRCP technique failed in two patients and ERCP in five. In the remaining 69 referrals ERCP demonstrated normal findings in 23 cases, strictures in 19 cases, choledocholithiasis in 9 cases, non-specific biliary dilatation in 14 cases and chronic pancreatitis in 4 cases. The MRCP technique correctly demonstrated 22 of 23 normal cases, 19 strictures with one false positive (sensitivity 100 %, specificity 98 %), all 9 cases of choledocholithiasis with two false positives (sensitivity 100 %, specificity 97 %), 12 of 14 cases of non-specific biliary dilatation and only 1 of 4 cases of chronic pancreatitis. There was overall good agreement for diagnosis based on a kappa value of 0.88. Breath-hold projection MRCP can provide non-invasively comparable diagnostic information to diagnostic ERCP for suspected choledocholithiasis and biliary strictures and may allow more selective use of therapeutic ERCP. Received: 20 May 1998; Revision received: 26 November 1998; Accepted: 7 January 1999     

Helical CT without contrast in choledocholithiasis diagnosis

The goal of this study was to determine the diagnostic value of the helical CT without contrast in suspected cases of choledocholithiasis, comparing this test with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Forty patients with possible choledocholithiasis were studied prospectively. There were 23 women and 17 men, ranging in age from 24 to 91 years. Helical CT was performed immediately before ERCP (time interval between the two procedures was less than 1 h). A biliary area previously selected was studied with a technique of pitch 1 and slice thickness of 3.2 mm. Average time was 30 s. Reconstruction with different increments and windows were made. Stone presence was evaluated in bile duct and Vater's ampulla. Biliary dilation was evaluated too. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography found stones in 19 patients and absence of stones in 20. One case was failed, but stones in bile duct were demonstrated during intraoperative cholangiography. Helical CT demonstrated stones in 15 of the 19 patients with positive ERCP. There were no false positives with CT. Patients without stones in ERCP were also negative in CT. The patient having the failed ERCP was considered positive in CT. The CT sensitivity was 80 % and specificity was 100 %, with an accuracy of 90 %. Helical CT without contrast has sensitivity and specificity good enough to be used as a screening technique in patients with suspected choledocholithiasis. Received: 15 February 2000/Revised: 3 July 2000/Accepted: 5 July 2000     

SSFSE-MRCP与ERCP对梗阻性胆管疾病的诊断价值比较

目的 比较单次激发厚层投射磁共振胰胆管成像（SSFSE-MRCP）（包括梗阻部位薄层扫描或增强扫描）和内镜逆行胰胆管造影（ERCP）对梗阻性胆管疾病的诊断价值。资料与方法 采用单次激发投射快速自旋技术,对51例临床怀疑胆管梗阻患者进行SSFSE-MRCP检查,并均行常规ERCP检查,对MRCP影像资料和ERCP进行对照分析,所有资料均经手术病理或ERCP检查证实。结果 SSFSE-MRCP图像清晰,检查成功率高;MRCP对胆管梗阻定位准确率100％,定性准确率为78．4％,ERCP定性准确率为70．6％。结论 MRCP安全、简便、无创伤,成功率高,对胆管梗阻疾病的定位诊断准确。结合ERCP检查,可提高胆管梗阻的定性诊断准确率。     

Detection of choledocholithiasis with MR cholangiography: comparison of three-dimensional fast spin-echo and single- and multisection half-Fourier rapid acquisition with relaxation enhancement sequences

PURPOSE: To compare the performance of three pulse sequences commonly used at magnetic resonance (MR) cholangiography in the diagnosis of choledocholithiasis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MR cholangiography was performed in 57 patients who were suspected of having choledocholithiasis and referred for endoscopic retrograde cholangiography. Non-breath-hold three-dimensional fast spin-echo, breath-hold single-section half-Fourier rapid acquisition with relaxation enhancement (RARE), and breath-hold multisection half-Fourier RARE sequences were compared. Two radiologists independently interpreted the MR cholangiograms. Evaluated diagnostic performance parameters included sensitivity, specificity, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, and interobserver agreement (kappa statistics). Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography was the standard of reference. RESULTS: Eight patients were excluded because of incomplete MR examinations (n = 4) or failure in the cannulation of the bile duct at retrograde cholangiography (n = 4). In 49 patients, the three MR cholangiographic sequences were completed successfully. In 24 (49%) of these patients, retrograde cholangiography demonstrated stones. Sensitivity and specificity of MR cholangiography exceeded 90%, and the area under the ROC curve was greater than 0.95 for both radiologists and for the three sequences. Interobserver agreement for presence of bile duct stones was at least 0.80 (very good) for the three sequences. CONCLUSION: The three MR cholangiographic sequences had similarly high sensitivities and specificities for the detection of choledocholithiasis.     

磁共振胰胆管造影在肝外胆道梗阻性疾病中的应用价值分析

目的　评价磁共振胆胰管造影 (MRCP)对肝外胆管梗阻性疾病的临床诊断价值。方法　对 2 9例肝外胆管梗阻性疾病 (肝外胆管结石 9例 ,恶性胆管梗阻 18例 ,胆囊周围淋巴结反应性增生 1例 ,胆囊结石 1例 )进行MRCP检查 ,并与术后病理结果或临床综合诊断对照分析。MRCP采用屏气单次激发半数傅立叶变换的TSE序列 (HASTE) ,原始图像以最大信号强度投影 (MIP)法进行三维重建。结果　全部 2 9例MRCP检查均一次成功 ,2 7例胆胰管显示满意。MRCP对肝外胆管梗阻性疾病的定位诊断率为 10 0 % ,定性诊断率为 79.3 %。结论　MRCP检查成功率高 ,对肝外胆管梗阻的定位诊断准确 ,结合原始图像和常规MRI扫描 ,对肝外胆管结石和恶性胆管梗阻的定性诊断也有较高的准确性     

Choledocholithiasis: repetitive thick-slab single-shot projection magnetic resonance cholangiopancreaticography versus endoscopic ultrasonography

This prospective study compares repetitive thick-slab single-shot projection magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) with endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) for the detection of choledocholithiasis. Fifty-seven consecutive patients (36 women, mean age 61) referred for suspected choledocholithiasis underwent MRCP, followed by EUS. Each procedure was performed by different operators blinded to the results of the other investigation. MR technique included a turbo spin-echo T2-weighted axial sequence with selective fat saturation (SPIR/TSE, TE=70 ms, TR=1,600 ms), followed by coronal dynamic MRCP. The same thick-slab slice was sequentially acquired 12 times as breath-hold single-shot projection imaging (SSh, TE=900 ms, TE=8,000 ms) centred on the common bile duct (CBD). Two experienced radiologists independently and blindly evaluated MR images for the detection of CBD stones. Their inter-observer agreement kappa was determined. Secondly, the two observers read MR images in consensus again. CBD stones were demonstrated in 18 out of 57 patients (31.6 %) and confirmed by endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERCP, n=17) or intraoperative cholangiography (n=1). Clinical follow-up served as the “gold standard” in patients with negative results without following invasive procedure (n=28). Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive and negative predictive value for MRCP resulting from consensus reading were 94.9%, 94.4%, 94.7%, 97.4% and 89.5%, respectively. Corresponding values of EUS were 97.4%, 94.4%, 96.5%, 97.4% and 94.4%. Inter-observer agreement kappa was 0.81. Repetitive thick-slab single-shot projection MRCP is an accurate non-invasive imaging modality for suspected choledocholithiasis and should be increasingly used to select those patients who require a subsequent therapeutic procedure, namely ERCP.     

Malignant obstructive jaundice: comparison of MRCP and ERCP in the evaluation of distal lesions

PURPOSE: To compare the diagnostic accuracy of MR cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in the diagnosis of malignant stenosis of the distal common bile duct. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-one patients (12 males and 9 females, mean age 62 years) with a clinical suspicion of malignancy of the distal biliary tract and pancreatic head underwent tomographic RM evaluation and diagnostic MRCP, followed by diagnostic and, where possible, therapeutic ERCP. The images obtained with ERCP and MRCP were reviewed blind by two experts who evaluated the presence, site, signal features and locoregional extension of the tumours. Histology performed by brushing or biopsy during ERCP and after surgical resection provided the standard of reference for all 21 patients. RESULTS: CPRM correctly identified the presence and site of the distal biliary stenosis in 21/21 (100%) cases, as well as allowing evaluation of the upper abdomen by associating it with conventional MRI. ERCP, instead, allowed detection of the presence and site of biliary stenosis in 20/21 (95%) cases. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: ERCP may have some limitations as regards identification of distal bile duct stenosis in cases of critical stenosis. The non-invasive nature and panoramic capabilities of MRCP and the fact that no contrast material is needed make MRCP the examination of reference in the diagnosis of malignant stenosis of the distal bile duct, also thanks to its ability to visualise the entire biliary tree in the presence of critical strictures of the common bile duct. The rationale for the use of ERCP lies in the possibility of taking histological samples and performing minimally invasive surgical interventions.     

MRCP和US对肝外胆管病变诊断价值的对照研究

目的 :比较磁共振胆胰管水成像 (MRCP)和超声 (US)对胆总管病变的诊断价值 ;方法 :分析MRCP和US对 2 4例胆总管病变 (12例胆总管结石 ;12例胆总管肿瘤或肿瘤性病变 )诊断的敏感性和特异性。结果 :MRCP和US对 12例胆总管结石的诊断敏感性和特异性分别为 10 0 % (12 /12 )和 92 7% (11/12 ) ;对胆总管肿瘤或肿瘤性病变 ,MRCP诊断的敏感性和特异性为 10 0 % (12 /12 ) ;US的敏感性和特异性分别为 75 % (9/12 )和 75 % (9/12 )。结论 :MRCP和US诊断胆总管结石的敏感性和特异性差异无显著性意义 ;对胆总管下段肿瘤或肿瘤性病变MRCP优于US。     

Navigator-triggered isotropic three-dimensional magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography in the diagnosis of malignant biliary obstructions: comparison with direct cholangiography

PURPOSE: To compare the diagnostic accuracy of navigator-triggered isotropic three-dimensional (3D) MR cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) using parallel imaging for malignant biliary obstruction with direct cholangiography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 23 patients with malignant biliary obstruction underwent MRCP and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)/percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTC). Two observers retrospectively evaluated 3D-MRCP and ERCP/PTC and recorded the level of obstruction and extent of tumor along with their confidence. The quality of images and morphologic appearance of stricture were also evaluated by two reviewers. The results of MRCP and ERCP/PTC were compared with surgical and histopathological data. RESULTS: 3D-MRCP was of diagnostic quality and free of artifacts in all patients, whereas ERCP/PTC examinations failed in three patients. For the evaluation of level of obstruction, there was no statistical significance between 3D-MRCP and ERCP/PTC. 3D-MRCP was superior to ERCP/PTC in the assessment of anatomical extent of hilar bile duct involvement, but did not show statistical significance. The accuracy of 3D-MRCP in determining tumoral extent of hilar cancer was higher than that of ERCP/PTC, but it was not statistically significant. The image quality of 3D-MRCP was superior to ERCP/PTC. There was good agreement between morphologic appearance at MRCP and those at ERCP/PTC. CONCLUSION: 3D-MRCP can accurately assess the level of obstruction and extent of tumor in patients with malignant biliary obstruction.