MAGNETIC RESONANCE CHOLANGIOPANCREATOGRAPHY PITFALLS: BILIARY STONE MIMICKERS

Abstract

1. Introduction Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) has been considered the gold standard for pancreaticobiliary duct imaging and abnormality identification. For being non-invasive as compared to Enodoscopic Retrorade Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) , more comprehensive evaluation than ultrasound, and superior soft tissue contrast compared to computed tomography (CT), avoiding risk of radiaion and consequences of contrast injection. A number of anatomical variations and other artifacts may manifest as apparent filling defects and pseudo-lesions. To provide the proper diagnostic report, a radiologist should be aware of and familiar with these problems. Herein, we reviewed different pitfalls (biliary stone mimickers) encountered in MRCP.2. Aim This study aimed to identify pitfalls in Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) that can mimic biliary stones.3. Patient and Methods PATIENTS: This study was carried out on 30 patients referred to the Radiodiagnosis Department of Alexandria Main University Hospital for Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography study from October 2023 till January 2025.METHODS: All patients were subjected to: Full history taking [demographic data, general medical history focusing upon the manifestations of obstructive jaundice: right hypochondral/ epigastric pain , itching and jaundice ,surgical history for cholecystecomy, laboratory investigations serum bilirubin (total, direct and indirect), cholestatic markers: alkaline phosphatase, gamma glutamyle transferase], ultrasonography, computed tomography if indicated and MRCP.