MR cholangiopancreatography using HASTE sequences

AIM: The aim of this pictorial review is to describe applications of cholan giopancreatography (MRCP) using half-Fourier (HASTE) MR sequences. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 350 patients were imaged over a four-year period wit h a 1.54 Tesla Siemens Vision scanner and a phased array body foil. The HAS TE MR sequence was applied in multiple planes with an acquisition time of 1 3 seconds allowing breath hold techniques. In addition, a single-shot techn ique provided single slice acquisitions with a thickness of 20 mm, A chemic al fat suppression algorithm reduced intra-abdominal MR high signal. RESULTS: HASTE MRCP accurately determines the presence of level of biliary obstruction in up to 97% of patients. Common bile duct stones are detected with a sensitivity of 93%. Acute cholecystitis is depicted on HASTE MR as p ericholecystic high signal in 41/45 (91%) patients and gall stones are dete cted with a 93% sensitivity. CONCLUSION: HASTE MRCP offers a non-invasive, rapid imaging method to evalu ate the gallbladder, common bile duct and pancreas, Its multi-planar, fluid sensitive capabilities are of particular value in detecting common bile du ct stones and acute cholecystitis.