Background:To determine the accuracy of
magnetic-resonance-cholangio-pancreatography
(MRCP) in comparison with the endoscopicretrograde-cholangio-pancreatography (ERCP) in the
diagnosis of bile duct pathologies .
Methods: Patients with suspected pancreaticobiliary pathologies having a clear indication for
ERCP were included in this prospective study.
MRCP was performed, using a torso phased-array
coil.ERCP was performed by duodeno-videoscope
and general electric fluoroscopy. MRCP were
reviewed by radiologist who was blinded to the
ERCP results.The ERCP was interpreted by an
experienced consultant gastroenterologist also
blinded to the MRCP results. Results of hepatopancreatico biliary system from both techniques
were compared, according to the pathology found,
e.g. choledocholithiasis, pancreatico-biliary strictures
and dilatation. The sensitivity, specificity, and
positive and negative predictive values were
calculated. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05,
with 95% confidence intervals.
Results. MRCP had sensitivity, specificity, positive
and negative predictive values of 87%, 80%, 83.3%
and 84.2% respectively for choledocholithiasis,
which correlates well with results obtained in other
parts of the world.
Conclusion. MRCP has high diagnostic accuracy
for bile duct calculi and is a useful non-invasive
technique to diagnose biliary pathologies and avoids
unnecessary ERCPs and its complications.
Key Words: MRCP, ERCP, Hepato-PancreaticoBiliary Pathologies