Accuracy of MRCP Compared with ERCP in the Diagnosis of Pancreaticobiliary Disorders

Abstract

Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreaticography (MRCP) is a technique by using of magnetic resonance
imaging. It visualizes the intra- and extrahepatic bile ducts as well as the pancreatic duct. Endoscopic Retrograde
Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is an invasive procedure that carries significant morbidity and even mortality.
The aim of this study is to determine the accuracy of magnetic resonance cholangiopancreaticography (MRCP)
compared with the gold standard endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreaticography (ERCP) in the diagnosis of bile
duct disorders at Tripoli Central Hospital.
Thirty patients with obstructive jaundiced disease were examined by MRCP followed by ERCP were included in this
prospective observational study.
MRCP had a high rate of accuracy (>95%) for choledocholithiasis compared to ERCP findings, which correlates well
with results obtained in other parts of the world.
ERCP has the same diagnostic accuracy (although small number of patients) for biliary strictures, Merrizi syndrome
and ampullary lesion compared to the followed ERCP.
At our center, MRCP has high diagnostic accuracy for bile duct calculi, biliary stenosis and extrinsic compresion.
Owing to a small study population, results for other biliary pathology were inconclusive. As compared with the
results of larger centers, we concluded that, MRCP should be done before ERCP as a noninvasive diagnostic tool for
pancreaticobiliary disease.