What type of contrast is given during Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography (MRCP)?

From the Guidelines

Hepatobiliary contrast agents, such as mangafodipir trisodium or other hepatocyte-selective contrast agents with biliary excretion, are given during Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) to assess the biliary tree anatomy and detect bile leaks 1.

Key Characteristics of Hepatobiliary Contrast Agents

• Excreted via bile
• Allow for functional assessment of the biliary tree
• Enable detection and localization of bile leaks with high accuracy

Advantages of MRCP with Hepatobiliary Contrast Agents

• Non-invasive
• No ionizing radiation
• Excellent anatomical information regarding the biliary tree anatomy
• High sensitivity and specificity for detecting bile leaks

Optimal Timing for Hepatobiliary Phase Acquisitions

• Between 60 and 90 min after contrast agent injection 1

Clinical Applications

• Diagnosis of bile duct injuries and bile leaks
• Evaluation of the biliary tree anatomy
• Detection of choledocholithiasis 1

From the Research

Type of Contrast Used in MRCP

• MRCP does not require the use of contrast material or ionizing radiation 2
• However, negative oral contrast media can be used to improve the visualization of the bile and pancreatic ducts 3
• Examples of negative oral contrast agents used in MRCP include:
  • Ferumoxsil (Lumirem) 4
  • Pineapple juice, which contains manganese and can decrease T2 signal intensity in the gastrointestinal tract 4, 5
• The use of negative oral contrast agents can help suppress the signal from the gastrointestinal tract and improve the diagnostic quality of MRCP images 3, 4, 5
• Hepato-biliary contrast agents can also be used in MRCP to provide a higher definition of the biliary tree, both in pathologic and normal conditions 2