MR PANCREATOGRAPHY - TECHNIQUE AND APPLICATIONS

Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) is a diagnostic met hod that uses three-dimensional data sets for projection images, as we ll as arbitrary cross-sectional images, of the pancreatic ducts. The m ethod is simple, not uncomfortable, and requires no contrast media. Ma gnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) was initially del elo ped as a substitute for ERCP fur diagnosis of pancreatic disorders suc h as neoplasm and chronic pancreatitis, but the method offers advantag es other than safety and flexibility. MRCP may be the diagnostic metho d of choice when ERCP is contraindicated or fails. Imaging after injec tion of secretin may add functional information to MRCP that may refle ct one aspect of pancreatic exocrine physiology. Adequate diagnostic e valuation of acute pancreatitis, pancreatic trauma, and mucinous ducta l ectasia may also be feasible. Innovations such as fast sequences wit h breath-holding, receiver multicoils, high-power gradient systems, an d postprocessing will further refine the technique. Optimized MRCP cou ld limit indications for diagnostic endoscopic pancreatography substan tially.