MR Cholangiopancreatography

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OVERVIEW PURPOSE RISKS PREPARATION DURING THE TEST AFTER THE TEST NEXT STEPS

What is MR cholangiopancreatography (MRCP)?

Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) is a special kind of MRI test. Your healthcare provider uses it to look at the biliary and pancreatic system. This includes the pancreas, the pancreatic duct, the bile ducts, gallbladder, and liver. The procedure uses a combination of magnets, radio waves, and a computer to make detailed images. A contrast dye may be used for even better images.

MRCP is:

Noninvasive. This means it's not done with a cut (incision) or tool that goes inside the body.
Doesn't use radiation
Gives highly detailed images
Helpful for diagnosis and treatment

Why might I need MRCP?

MRCP is used to diagnose or assess conditions such as:

Stones in the biliary or pancreatic ducts
Tumors
Inflammation of the gallbladder, bile duct, liver, pancreatic duct, or pancreas (pancreatitis)

MRCP may also be used to find out the cause of stomach pain.

It's often combined with a standard MRI. Talk with your healthcare provider about the reason for the test.

What are the risks of MRCP?

MRCP is a safe test. It has only a few risks:

The MRCP test does not use contrast. But if the test is combined with a standard MRI, you may be given IV contrast. If you have severe kidney disease, you may get scarring in your body from the contrast. Your kidney function often will be tested to determine if you should not get the contrast dye.
Problems with implanted metal pieces or devices. This is because of the magnetic fields used to capture images.
Allergic reaction to contrast material, if used.

If you are or could be pregnant, tell your healthcare provider. There may be other risks, depending on your specific medical condition. Discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider before the procedure.

How do I get ready for MRCP?

Your healthcare provider will give you instructions on how to prepare for your MRCP. Those instructions may include

Fasting for several hours before the procedure
Wearing loose-fitting clothes that have no metal fasteners or zippers
Leaving all jewelry and metal accessories and other objects at home. These include barrettes or hair pins and any dental work that can be removed.
Arranging to have someone drive you home after the procedure if you are to get sedation

You will also need to discuss your health history with your healthcare provider before the test, including:

Any long-term (chronic) health conditions
Any medical implants that you have, such as metal plates or screws, a pacemaker, or artificial heart valve
Any past surgeries
Any allergies
A history of anxiety about being in closed spaces

What happens during MRCP?

You will lie on a table. You may be held in position with straps to keep you from moving. Moving would distort the images. You may have coils placed around you that will help to send radio waves.
If you are having the procedure with contrast dye, you will have an intravenous (IV) line started to give the dye.
The table will slide into the MRI machine to capture images of your stomach.
The radiologist or technologist will guide the procedure from a computer outside of the MRI room. But they will be able to hear you, speak with you, and see you at all times using a 2-way intercom.
The machine is very loud. Ear plugs or headphones are often given.

The entire test usually takes about 45 minutes. MRCP may be done outpatient, requiring no hospital stay, or as part of a hospital stay.

What happens after MRCP?

If you weren't sedated, you won't need any recovery time, and you can usually resume your normal activities right away. If you were sedated, it may take a few hours for the sedation to wear off, and someone will need to drive you home.