MRCP is an MRI Exam
MRCP (Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography) is a specialized type of MRI examination, not a CT scan. 1, 2
Technical Basis
- MRCP uses magnetic resonance imaging technology to visualize fluid-filled structures in the biliary and pancreatic ducts as high signal intensity on heavily T2-weighted sequences 3, 4
- The technique provides projectional cholangiographic images similar to those obtained with invasive procedures like ERCP, but without requiring any contrast agent injection 3, 5
- MRCP is performed using various MRI sequences, including both breath-hold and non-breath-hold techniques, typically using fast spin-echo (FSE) or turbo spin-echo (TSE) sequences optimized for fluid visualization 3, 6
Key Distinguishing Features from CT
- MRCP offers superior contrast resolution compared to CT, allowing better visualization of fluid-filled structures like pancreatic and biliary ducts 1
- Unlike CT, MRCP involves no radiation exposure, making it particularly suitable for pregnant patients and pediatric populations 1, 2
- MRCP is more sensitive than CT for detection of ductal calculi and can better characterize biliary strictures 1
Clinical Context
- The American College of Radiology recommends MRCP as the preferred initial diagnostic test for evaluating the bile and pancreatic ducts due to its non-invasive nature and comparable diagnostic accuracy to invasive ERCP 1
- MRCP typically requires approximately 30 minutes for image acquisition, which is longer than CT but provides superior ductal visualization 1, 2
- The technique is performed on standard MRI scanners with appropriate software and sequences, not on CT equipment 3, 6