Pancreaticobiliary ductal system: Value of half-fourier rapid acquisition with relaxation enhancement MR cholangiopancreatography for postoperative evaluation

PURPOSE: To assess the usefulness of half-fourier rapid acquisition with re laxation enhancement (RARE) magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MR CP) for evaluation of postoperative changes in the pancreaticobiliary ducta l system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 34 patients (20 men, 14 women; me an age, 65.5 years) who underwent surgery of the pancreaticobiliary ductal system. Half-Fourier RARE MRCP images were obtained after surgery. Qualitat ive evaluation included ratings by two observers for depiction of postopera tive anatomy and for artifacts, as well as analysis of postoperative compli cations. Direct cholangio graphic, computed tomographic, and ultrasonograph ic findings and 6-month follow-up results were the reference standard. Sens itivity, specificity, and accuracy were calculated for the evaluation of po stsurgical complications seen at half-fourier RARE MRCP. RESULTS: The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of MRCP for the evaluat ion of postsurgical complications were each 100% for ductal dilatation; 100 %, 87%, and 89%, respectively, for choledochoenteric anastomotic stricture; 100%, 86%, and 87%, respectively, for pancreaticoenteric anastomotic stric ture; 100% each for intraductal stones and anastomotic leakage; and 80%, 10 0%, and 94%, respectively, for cholangitis. CONCLUSION: Half-Fourier RARE MRCP is a reliable imaging technique for the evaluation of anatomy and of complications associated with a surgically alt ered pancreaticobiliary ductal system.