Full Forms of MRCP and ERCP
MRCP stands for Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography, and ERCP stands for Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography. 1, 2
MRCP (Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography)
MRCP is a non-invasive MRI-based imaging technique that visualizes the biliary and pancreatic ductal systems using heavily T2-weighted sequences that make fluid-filled structures (bile and pancreatic juice) appear bright without requiring contrast injection. 2, 3
The procedure generates 3D images of the entire biliary tree through coronal acquisitions lasting 3-5 minutes, with total scan time approximately 30 minutes. 2
MRCP has become the first-line diagnostic modality for evaluating biliary and pancreatic duct pathology, replacing diagnostic ERCP in most clinical scenarios due to its non-invasive nature and absence of procedural complications. 1, 2
ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography)
ERCP is an invasive endoscopic procedure performed under general anesthesia where a gastroenterologist advances an endoscope through the mouth into the duodenum, cannulates the ampulla of Vater, and injects contrast into the common bile duct while obtaining fluoroscopic images. 1
ERCP now serves primarily a therapeutic rather than diagnostic role, reserved for interventions such as stone extraction, stent placement, sphincterotomy, and tissue sampling (brush cytology, endobiliary biopsies). 1, 4, 2
The procedure carries significant risks including pancreatitis, cholangitis, hemorrhage, and perforation, with major complication rates of 4-5.2% and mortality risk of 0.4% in the general population. 1, 4