What is the procedure for an MRCP?

What is the procedure for an MRCP?

Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) is performed in the Radiology Department using MRI technology (magnets and radio waves) to produce computer images of the gallbladder, pancreas and bile ducts. A contrast dye is injected first into a vein to enhance the images.

How do you prepare for a MRI MRCP?

Preparing for Your Abdominal MRI With MRCP At scheduling, you will be given your arrival time: you do not need to come before that time. Please have nothing to eat or drink for 8 hours prior to the start time of your exam. Sips of water with medication are OK.

What type of contrast is used for MRCP?

In the MRCP/MRI setting, the use of contrast media is seen as an alternative to T2-weighted sequences [8], and Gadolinium-based contrast media has proven itself to provide characterisation between benign and malignant tumours; although dynamic acquisitions provide greater detection of hepatic lesions than non-enhanced …

Is MRCP done with or without contrast?

The MRCP technique is done by using the MRI machine and a coil (camera) to obtain images of your abdomen and biliary structures. The majority of MRCP exams DO NOT require a contrast agent.

How long is MRCP procedure?

The actual MRCP exam takes approximately 10-15 minutes, but it is often performed with a standard MRI of the abdomen, which may last approximately 30 minutes and involves the use of contrast material. In this case, the entire examination is usually completed within 45 minutes.

Where is bile duct located?

The bile ducts are a series of thin tubes that go from the liver to the small intestine. Their main job is to allow a fluid called bile to go from the liver and gallbladder into the small intestine, where it helps digest the fats in food.

Do you need NPO for MRCP?

For most MRI scans the patient may be on a normal diet and take their routine medications except for Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) exams; patients must be NPO for 4 hours prior to exam. It is acceptable for the patient to drink water.

Does MRCP use IV contrast?

An MRCP scan takes about twice as long as a regular MRI scan; 10 minutes for the MRCP imaging and about 30 minutes for abdominal imaging. Depending on the reason why the MRCP test was ordered, IV contrast may be given during the scan.

What is MRCP with secretin?

Secretin-enhanced MRCP is a noninvasive method of evaluating pancreatic function that involves stimulation of pancreatic exocrine function by IV secretin, similar to the direct function tests.

When do you order an MRCP?

Physicians use MRCP to: examine diseases of the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, pancreas and pancreatic duct. These may include tumors, stones, inflammation or infection. evaluate patients with pancreatitis to detect the underlying cause.

Does MRCP require fasting?

Additional preparation for an MRCP test includes: Nothing eat or drink four hours prior to the exam appointment. Since MRCP is a specialized MRI scan, certain metal safety precautions must be taken; please review our MRI metal safety checklist.

What can MRCP diagnose?