PITFALLS OF MR CHOLANGIOPANCREATOGRAPHY (MRCP)

MR cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) represents a relatively new develop ment in MR technology that provides a noninvasive alternative to endos copic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for evaluating pancreaticobi liary tract disease. Although the accuracy of MRCP has been documented in the diagnosis of a variety of diseases including choledocholithias is and malignancy, pitfalls associated with this technique may result in diagnostic errors. This essay illustrates both technical and interp retive pitfalls of MRCP and suggests strategies for their recognition and avoidance.