0000000000403184
AUTHOR
Jörg G. Albert
ERCP and MRCP--when and why.
Since the introduction of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in the 1970s, gastroenterologists have a wide spectrum of diagnostic and therapeutic options in the biliopancreatic ductal system at their disposal. With its arrival in the 1990s, magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) developed as a potent diagnostic tool in biliopancreatic pathology. Currently, MRCP is widely replacing diagnostic ERCP and thereby avoiding complications related to endoscopic technique.We summarize evidence-based data and demonstrate indications and differential indications for MRCP and ERCP in pancreatic disease. Complications related to the procedures and possible medical preventio…
Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Gastroenterology: Time to Say Good-bye to All That Endoscopy?
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been described as the most important development in medical diagnosis since the discovery of the roentgen ray more than 100 years ago. The effectiveness of MRI has been extended to make it applicable in a wide variety of gastrointestinal disorders. The attention of gastroenterologists is currently focusing on pancreaticobiliary and bowel diseases. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) has become a competitive alternative to diagnostic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in a variety of hepatobiliary and pancreatic diseases. Magnetic resonance enteroscopy has the potential to become the preferable method for evaluating the entire s…
A prospective evaluation of magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography in patients with suspected bile duct obstruction.
Background—The value of magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) is under debate.Aims—To assess the diagnostic accuracy of MRCP and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and to determine whether MRCP may help to prevent unnecessary interventional procedures.Methods—Eighty six patients with suspected common bile duct obstruction who presented between January and December 1996 were enrolled. Twenty six were excluded due to anatomical reasons or because MRCP or ERCP could not be performed successfully. Results of MRCP were interpreted by two radiologists and a gastroenterologist unaware of clinical diagnosis. Final diagnosis was determined by ERCP and histopathologica…
Schwannoma of the common bile duct: a rare cause of obstructive jaundice.
The endoscopic diagnosis of bile duct lesions has improved over recent years through the introduction of cholangioscopy and intraductal ultrasound. Combining this with biopsies examined using routinely administered immunohistochemical markers, the diagnosis of tumors of the extrahepatic bile duct can be improved substantially. We report a rare case of a schwannoma of the bile duct causing obstructive jaundice.
Mucinous cystadenomas and intraductal papillary mucinous tumors of the pancreas in magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography.
Background and Study Aims: In mucin-producing tumors of the pancreas, diagnosis using endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is limited to cystic formations that communicate with the main pancreatic duct. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) is a new, sophisticated method which is currently under evaluation. The authors describe the usefulness of MRCP in diagnosis of mucin-producing tumors. Patients and Methods: Six patients with mucin-producing tumors were investigated using MRCP and ERCP. Imaging was compared with surgery and histopathological examinations. Results: Three patients were found to have mucinous cystadenomas (MC), two patients had intraductal papi…