MRCP stands for magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography. This is a special type of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). It enables a very detailed display of the bile duct via an output monitor. MRCP is a gentle, non-invasive way of diagnosing the bile duct, liver and pancreas.
Here you will find further information as well as selected MRCP specialists and centers.
During MRCP, the patient lies in the tube of a large magnetic resonance imaging (MRI ) scanner. In most MRI machines, electrical current flowing through several coils of wire generates the magnetic field. There are further wire coils in the MRI that send and receive radio frequency waves.
As a result, they produce signals that penetrate the body and are picked up again by the current-carrying wire coils.
A computer processes this data and uses it to calculate very detailed images of
In contrast to conventional X-rays, the body is not exposed to any harmful radiation during an MRI. During an MRCP, the image is limited purely to the upper abdominal cavity with
Nowadays there are various types of magnetic resonance imaging scanner. The traditional MRI is relatively common. This is a huge cylindrical tube that is completely surrounded by a round magnet. Inside the tube is a movable examination table that can be moved directly into the interior of the magnet.
The so-called short MRI system, in which the magnetic tube does not run along the entire length of the body, is new.
In open MRI, the sides of the machine are free so that the patient does not lie in a closed tube. Open MRI is a good alternative, especially for patients who suffer from claustrophobia or are very overweight.
Classic MRI machine © digitale-fotografien | AdobeStock
If an MRCP is scheduled, it is best to be sober. This means that you should not eat or drink anything in the eight hours before the MRCP.
The gallbladder is visualized using a contrast agent. In rare cases, people have an allergic reaction to this. The doctor will therefore clarify with you in advance whether you have any such allergies.
However, the MRI contrast medium itself is relatively harmless. Unlike other contrast media, it is not based on iodine compounds, but consists of gadolinium.
MRCP may be contraindicated for some medical conditions. This means that an MRI may not be performed due to an intolerance to the contrast medium. MRCP must be avoided, particularly in the case of existing kidney disease.
Every patient should also be aware in advance that they will have to lie in a narrow tube for a long time during an MRI. It can also be very noisy at times.
If you are uncomfortable in such situations or suffer from claustrophobia, you should make your doctor aware of this. In most cases, you will be given a mild sedative before the examination.
As metal objects of any kind can interfere with the magnetic resonance field, you must remove all metal objects before the examination. This includes any kind of
Often forgotten in this context are implants such as
Also
are also affected. If you have such an implant in your body, you must inform your doctor of this!
The patient lies down on the retractable MRI table and is fixed in the correct position. Fixation is necessary so that the patient lies as still as possible during the examination. This is the only way the machine can produce sharp, clear images.
The radiologists will insert an intravenous line through which the contrast medium for the examination will later enter the body. This can be a little painful for a short time. To prevent this access from becoming blocked, a saline solution is attached until the contrast medium can actually be injected. The patient is then pushed into the MRI scanner.
The technician first takes a few images for calibration. Only then does he slowly inject the contrast medium via the access port. This can cause a brief burning sensation, but this usually disappears quickly. Some patients also report a metallic taste in the mouth after the injection, but this also disappears within a very short time.
The upper abdomen feels slightly warm during the examination. You must lie completely still during the imaging phases. Depending on the region being imaged with the MRI, these phases can last from a few seconds to several minutes. It is therefore important to always follow the doctor's instructions exactly.
During the scan, the wire coils for transmitting the radio frequency waves in the MRI are activated. This can be heard as a loud knocking and buzzing noise. Patients who are sensitive to noise should put on earplugs before the MRCP to minimize the noise level.
The actual MRCP usually only takes about 10 minutes. However, it is usually performed as part of a standard MRI of the entire upper abdomen. This takes about 30 minutes, which is why the whole examination takes about 45 minutes.
After the access is removed, redness around the puncture site may occur in isolated cases. This usually does not require any further treatment.
If you have not been given a sedative before the MRCP, you can return to your daily routine immediately after the examination. However, some patients may experience mild side effects from the contrast medium, such as nausea and occasional pain.
In very rare cases, allergic reactions may occur, including
In such cases, you should inform a doctor immediately.
MRCP is performed by a radiologist who is specially trained to interpret the imaging results of the MRI scan.
He analyzes the images and writes a report. This contains the results of the examination, the diagnosis made and possibly a proposal for specific treatment.
In general, the advantages of MRCP outweigh the disadvantages. Especially in comparison to ERCP, it is the first choice for diagnosing gallstones and other diseases
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