Contrast-enhanced MR cholangiography (MRCP) with GD-EOB-DTPA in evaluating biliary complications after surgery

Purpose

We assessed the usefulness of contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance cholangiography (CE-MRC) with liver-specific contrast agent in evaluating the biliary tree after hepatic surgery.

Materials and methods

A total of 142 patients with suspected biliary complications after liver surgery underwent hepatobiliary MR before and after administration of gadolinium ethoxy benzylic diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (Gd-EOB-DTPA). Unenhanced MR cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) and postcontrast MRC were obtained in all patients. Blinded image evaluation and semiquantitative analysis comparing MRCP and CE-MRC were performed by two experienced radiologists.

Results

In all cases, optimal postcontrast visualisation of the biliary tract was obtained. In 22 patients, a postsurgical biliary complication was confirmed. MRCP detected 64% of lesions, but in 36% of cases, an alteration was only suspected but not clearly defined. CE-MRC allowed definite diagnosis in 100% of cases.

Conclusions

Hepatobiliary-specific contrast agents allow for accurate and extensive study of biliary tract alterations, especially in assessing postsurgical complications.