MRI M R C P
Also Known As
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FAMILY
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Certified Labs
NABH Accredited
Reports in
6hrs
Measures
No description available
Identifies
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About The Test
What is MRI MRCP?
MRI MRCP is a special type of MRI that zeroes in on the fluid-filled ducts of the liver, gallbladder and pancreas. Strong magnets and radio waves build a roadmap your doctor can “drive through” on a computer screen.
How it differs from standard MRI
- Focus: ordinary MRI looks at organs; MRCP looks inside the tiny ducts.
- No contrast (usually): MRCP relies on natural body fluid, so most patients skip injections.
- Faster post-processing: 3-D pictures are ready in minutes.
List of Parameters
- Bile-duct diameter (normal ≤7 mm after gallbladder removal)
- Pancreatic-duct anatomy (looking for side branches)
- Gall-bladder wall thickness (>3 mm = inflammation)
- Stones, sludge or strictures (location & size logged)
Why This Test
- Unexplained abdominal pain
- Jaundice evaluation
- Suspected bile-duct obstruction
- Follow-up after gallstone surgery
When to Take Test
Benefits
Benefits of MRI MRCP Test
- Non-invasive alternative to ERCP—no scope down your throat.
- Zero radiation—ideal for repeat follow-ups.
- High-resolution 3-D images show ducts as thin as 1 mm.
- Recovery time = the walk back to your car.
Conditions Diagnosed Through an MRI MRCP Scan
- Choledocholithiasis (bile-duct stones)
- Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC)
- Pancreatic divisum (birth variant)
- Cholangiocarcinoma (bile-duct cancer)
- Chronic pancreatitis (duct scarring)
Preparing for test
Pre-requisites (fasting 4–6 h)
An empty stomach cuts bowel motion and sharpens pictures. Water is allowed.
Best time to take the MRI MRCP
Morning slots (8 am–11 am) reduce wait times and stomach growl artefacts.
Eligibility
- Pregnancy test if you’re of child-bearing age.
- Recent creatinine report if contrast is planned.
Procedure for Taking a MRI MRCP
- Arrive 30 min early for paperwork.
- Change into metal-free gown; locker provided.
- Lie on table, coil placed over abdomen, headphone on.
- Breathe-hold commands last 15–20 s each; total 15 min.
Caution Before Taking the Test
- Remove jewellery, belts, phones.
- Inform staff about tattoos, permanent eyeliner or insulin pumps.
Test Results
Results and Interpretations
| Finding / Observation | Description (Generalized Examples) | General Interpretation/Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Normal ducts | ≤7 mm CBD, no filling defects | No blockage |
| Filling Defects in Ducts | Non-opacifying dark areas seen within the bile or pancreatic ducts. | Suggestive of choledocholithiasis, sludge, clots, parasites, or tumors. Requires correlation with symptoms and possible intervention. |
| Stricture | Abrupt narrow with upstream widening | May need ERCP or surgery |
| Pancreatic Duct Appearance | May show dilation, narrowing, side-branch ectasia, intraductal filling defects, or congenital variants. | Changes suggest pancreatitis, stones, tumors, or pancreas divisum. Chronic ductal changes may signal long-standing disease. |
| Stones | Dark filling defects inside bright duct | Choledocholithiasis |
| Signal Characteristics of Ductal Contents | Bile typically has homogeneous high signal; debris, pus, or hemorrhage appears heterogeneous. | Helps differentiate normal bile from infectious, inflammatory, or hemorrhagic content. Important for evaluating cholangitis or obstructive complications. |
| Pancreatic divisum | Dorsal & ventral ducts don’t meet | Common cause of recurrent pancreatitis |
| Mass lesion | Irregular wall thickening or polyp | Tumour work-up required |
| Surrounding Organ Evaluation | Assessment of liver, spleen, kidneys, adrenals, vasculature for incidental or related pathology. | May detect cirrhosis, metastases, hepatic cysts, or vascular anomalies. Aids in staging or identifying coexistent disease. |
Risks & Limitations
Claustrophobia considerations
Our wide-bore 70 cm scanner and mirror visor cut claustrophobia rates by 40%. Still nervous? Ask for a mild sedative when you book.
Metallic implants & pacemaker contraindications
- Pacemakers, cochlear implants, certain aneurysm clips = scan not possible.
- Dental fillings, hip/knee replacements are usually fine; just declare them.
False-negative/positive possibilities
Small stones (<2 mm) or tight strictures can hide in 5% of cases. Your Cadabams radiologist cross-checks with blood work and clinical history to minimise this.
FAQs
Is MRI MRCP painful?
No. You only feel the table move.
How long does the scan take?
15–20 minutes inside the machine; 30 minutes total visit.
Can I eat after the scan?
Yes—bring a snack and eat right away.
Do I need a referral?
Any doctor’s prescription works; walk-ins with referral accepted.
What if I’m claustrophobic?
Open-bore scanner + mirror + music + optional sedative = comfortable ride.
How soon will results be ready?
Same evening for in-house cases; 24 h max for complex reviews.