Advances in MRCP

Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) is a medical imaging technique, which uses magnetic resonance to visualize the biliary tree and pancreatic ducts in a non-invasive way. Though several variations of this technique have been developed in the recent years, they all share the use of a heavily T2W pulse sequence, which selectively displays static or slow-moving fluid-filled structures as high intensity areas. The recent development of many three dimensional (3D) sequences has substantially enhanced the quality of the MRCP images. Likewise, the introduction of hepatobiliary contrast media and secretin, has enabled functional assessment of biliary excretion and the exocrine pancreas, respectively. In this article, we present new MRCP techniques using 3D acquisition and the role of functional MRCP. In addition, we discuss commonly imaged biliary and pancreatic duct pathologies, including congenital anomalies, obstruction, trauma and tumors