MRI M R C P

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.

• 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)

• Unexplained abdominal pain
• Jaundice evaluation
• Suspected bile-duct obstruction
• Follow-up after gallstone surgery

• 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.

1. Choledocholithiasis (bile-duct stones)
2. Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC)
3. Pancreatic divisum (birth variant)
4. Cholangiocarcinoma (bile-duct cancer)
5. Chronic pancreatitis (duct scarring)

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

1. Arrive 30 min early for paperwork.
2. Change into metal-free gown; locker provided.
3. Lie on table, coil placed over abdomen, headphone on.
4. 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.

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.