Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography (MRCP)
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| Doctors often require imaging tests to detect disorders of an organ. If the area examined includes the liver and surrounding organs, the test performed is magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP). |
What is MRCP?
MRCP (magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography) is an imaging examination procedure to determine the condition of the liver, gall bladder and ducts, pancreas and pancreatic ducts.
The MRCP procedure is similar to MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) in that it utilizes a combination of strong magnetic field, radio wave and computer technology. Like imaging tests in general, MRCP is non-invasive (does not involve surgery) and does not use ionizing radiation.
Because it is noninvasive, many people prefer MRCP over other surgical procedures endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP).
In MRCP, doctors do not need to insert examination tools into the patient's body. Doctors can get three-dimensional images of your body's organs through hundreds of images captured by MRCP equipment. That way, the doctor can find out your condition and make a diagnosis.
Purpose of MRCP examination
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| Doctors generally perform this imaging examination for the following purposes. |
Doctors generally perform this imaging examination for the following purposes.
Diagnosing stomach pain of unknown cause.
Checks the condition of the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, pancreas, pancreatic ducts, spleen, and sometimes kidneys.
Diagnose inflammation, infection, tumors or cancer in certain organs as well as the formation of gallstones (either in the sac or ducts).
Detect narrowing of the bile ducts or trauma to the biliary system.
Find out the cause of inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis), how far the pancreas is damaged, and the remaining function of the pancreas.
MRCP is often used in the diagnosis of jaundice, diseases of the liver, as well as diseases of the biliary system such as primary sclerosing cholangitis.
This procedure is also very useful in the detection of tumors in the bile ducts and pancreas. The results of the examination can help the doctor determine the severity of the disease and its complications.
Not only that, doctors can also use the results of the examination to determine whether the patient requires surgery.
MRCP procedure
Following are the various stages that you will go through regarding this inspection procedure.
1. Before the procedure
The doctor or nurse will ask you to fast from food and drink several hours before undergoing the procedure. On the day of the examination, you will need to remove clothing, electronics and all metal accessories. Tell your doctor if you have ear implants, a pacemaker, or any other device made of metal embedded in the body. The reason is, these tools could become hot or interfere with the MRCP imaging results. In addition, you should inform your doctor if you have the following conditions.
Health conditions or illnesses that have been going on for years.
Have an allergy to something.
Have had surgery.
Feeling excessively afraid or anxious when in a closed space (claustrophobia).
2. During the procedure
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| You will lie on an examination table. The technician then attaches a radio wave capture device to the area of the body to be scanned. |
You will lie on an examination table. The technician then attaches a radio wave capture device to the area of the body to be scanned.
Sometimes, patients are given an injection of contrast fluid which will be visible on the image. The examination table then moves slowly into the tube-shaped MRI machine. You must remain still during the inspection so that the machine can capture a clear image. An image of the machine will then appear on the computer screen. MRCP machines can make loud, annoying noises.
However, you don't need to worry because the technician provides earplugs to reduce discomfort. During this procedure, you can talk to a technician via intercom.
3. After the procedure and recovery
The MRCP procedure lasts 15 – 45 minutes. This examination is not invasive, so you can go home the same day. If the doctor gave you a sedative beforehand, wait a while until you are fully conscious.
Is MRCP better than CT Scan?
When compared to a CT scan, MRCP tends to be better and more accurate for detecting disease. For example, a CT scan can only detect gallstones starting from 3 mm in size, while MRCP can detect gallstones starting from 1 mm.
MRCP warnings and risks
MRI of the liver is noninvasive so the risk of side effects is very minimal. However, if the doctor uses contrast fluid, there is a small chance that the patient will experience an allergic reaction in the form of itching, swelling and shortness of breath.
Patients who have severe kidney disease should also not undergo this examination with contrast fluid. Quoting the Radiology Info page, there have been rare cases where the gadolinium content in the contrast fluid caused injury to the patient's kidneys. Pregnant women should also not undergo MRCP first. This is because the MRI procedure may not be safe during the first trimester of pregnancy. Therefore, tell your doctor if you are or are planning to become pregnant. In addition, the contrast fluid can be absorbed by the baby through breast milk.
According to the American College of Radiology, the amount of fluid absorbed is indeed low. However, it will be safer if you do not breastfeed for 24 - 48 hours after undergoing this examination.
Explanation of test results
The doctor will usually notify you of the results of the MRCP examination within a few days. Through the results of this examination, the doctor can diagnose the health problem you are experiencing and how to treat it. Your digestive organs are normal if they do not show abnormalities, inflammation, infection, or other disorders.
However, if there are problems with certain organs, the doctor will likely recommend further examination.
MRCP is an imaging examination that uses MRI technology to determine the condition of organs in the hepatic (liver) and bile system. You may need this examination if you experience symptoms in these organs.
Several factors can reduce the quality of the images in this examination. Therefore, make sure you tell your doctor about your medical history to optimize examination results and prevent side effects.