Magnetic resonance imaging of bile and pancreatic ducts: a retrospective study

Abstract

Purpose: To assess the value of magnetic resonance in the diagnosis of pancreatobiliary ductal system changes.

Material and methods: The study included 103 patients (44 men, 59 women, mean age 57, age range 1 month - 91 years) with pancreatobiliary duct changes. The patients underwent a routine liver and pancreas MR imaging that included a MR cholangiopancreatography sequence. Comparison was made with findings at surgery, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopacreatography performed within 14 days, and follow-up, as a reference standard.

Results: The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of magnetic resonance for the evaluation of lithiasis were 87%, 90.2% and 89.3% respectively; 100%, 97.8%, and 98%, respectively for cholangitis; 91.6%, 96.7% and 96,1%, for bile ducts tumors; 89.4%, 97.5%, and 96%, for chronic pancreatitis; 92.3%, 97.6%, and 96.6%, for pancreatic tumors; 88.8%, 96.4% and 95.1%, for periampullary stenosis.

Conclusion: Magnetic resonance is a reliable imaging technique for the evaluation of biliary and pancreatic ducts