Vol. 32 No. 1, Jan 2024
Vol. 32 No. 1, Jan 2024
32(1): 40- 49
1) Radiologist, Department of Radiology and Imaging, Sheikh Hasina National Institute of Burn & Plastic Surgery
(SHNIBPS), Dhaka. 2) Professor & Ex-HOD, Department of Radiology & Imaging, DMCH, Dhaka. 3) Radiologist,
Kuwait-Bangladesh Friendship Government Hospital, Uttara, Dhaka. 4) Medical officer, Sheikh Russel National
gastroliver Institute and hospital, Dhaka. 5) Assistant Professor, Department of Radiology and Imaging, Mugda
Medical College, Dhaka. 6) Specialist, Department of Radiology and Imaging, Asgar Ali Hospital, Dhaka. 7)
Radiologist, Mugda Medical College and Hospital, Dhaka & 8) Medical officer, Department of Radiology and
Imaging, Dhaka Medical College and Hospital, Dhaka.
Received: 09 August 2023 Revised: 10 October 2023 Accepted: 18 October 2023 Published: 01 Jan 2024
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Diagnostic Performance of Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) Saraswati Basak et al
Obstructive Jaundice has been mainly diagnosed pancreatic ducts. MRCP may offer greater safety,
by imaging modalities. The main goals of any less discomfort, greater patient acceptance and can
imaging procedure in obstructive jaundice are to also be used whenever ERCP is impossible because
confirm the presence of obstruction, its location, of anatomical or technical reasons. In this clinical
extent, probable cause, and it should also attempt application, MRCP has proved to be as sensitive
to obtain a map of biliary tree that will help the and specific as diagnostic ERCP. Currently, the
surgeon the determine the best approach to each diagnostic accuracy of MRCP is considered to be
individual case. Among all imaging technique equivalent to that of ERCP for a broad spectrum
Ultrasonography (USG) and Computed of benign and malignant pancreatic and biliary
Tomography (CT) are initial modalities of duct diseases.7
investigations. Recently, Magnetic Resonance
Therefore, aim of this study was to assess the
Imaging (MRI) with Magnetic Resonance
diagnostic performance of MRCP in the evaluation
Cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) is emerging
of the causes of obstructive jaundice.
as an exciting tool for non-invasive evaluation of
patients with obstructive jaundice.2 Material and Methods:
It was a cross sectional type of observational study
In investigating obstructive jaundice, USG gives
conducted in Department of Radiology & Imaging,
clues for further investigations including CT scan,
Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) from
MRCP, Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio-
July 2017 to June 2019 for a period of 2 years.
pancreatography (ERCP) and Percutaneous
The study subjects were patients with clinical &
Cholangiography (PTC).3 But the disadvantage of
biochemical evidence of obstructive jaundice,
USG is that the procedure is highly operator referred to Radiology & Imaging department of
dependent and is also influenced by patient factors DMCH either from out or in patient departments
such as the number, size and site of calculi, of Gastroenterology & Surgery, DMCH for
patient’s body habitus and the presence of imaging investigation. A total number of 60
overlying bowel gas. 4 PTC is also operator patients were included in this study. Nonrandom
dependent and is associated with relatively high purposive sampling was done for patients of all
rate of complications.5 ages & both sexes with clinical symptoms like
yellow coloration of skin & sclera, dark urine, clay
ERCP is the reference standard in diagnosis of stool, pruritus, anorexia, weight loss, fever,
biliary tract disease, allowing for definite or abdominal pain, feeling of mass & having raised
temporary treatment in many cases. ERCP biochemical parameters (serum bilirubin, serum
presents some draw backs: selective main bile duct ALT & serum ALP) of obstructive jaundice.
cannulation (80-90%), operator dependence and Patients with contraindications to the MRCP
lowered rates in certain conditions as distal technique (i.e. patients with cardiac pacemaker,
cerebral aneurysm clip, ocular/cochlear implants,
strictures, sphincter of Oddi stricture, tumor of
metal prostheses, claustrophobia) were excluded.
papilla and duodenal diverticula.6
All the patients were evaluated by MRCP and
MRCP is the newest modality for biliary and findings were subsequently compared with ERCP
pancreatic duct imaging. It uses MR imaging to and histopathology findings. After collection,
visualize fluid in the biliary and pancreatic ducts editing and coding, the coded data was entered
as high signal intensity on heavily T2 weighted into the computer by using SPSS version 22.
(T2W) sequences of Half Fourier Single Shot Turbo Ethical clearance was obtained from the authority
Spin Echo (HASTE). It can demonstrate the entire of DMCH to undertake the present study.
anatomy of the biliary tract and so it helps to Informed written consent was obtained from each
delineate biliary tract in proximal and in distal subject who voluntarily provided consent to
obstruction.1 participate in the study.
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Bangladesh Journal of Radiology and Imaging Vol. 32(1): January 2024
peristalsis and promote gallbladder distension. At branches, signal void areas in MPD are the other
our institution, MRCP was performed by criterion of MRCP.11
HITACHI ECHELON OVAL, 1.5 Tesla machine
Periampullary carcinoma: MRCP criterion are
using a phased-array body coil. At first an axial
“Double-duct sign” of dilated CBD and pancreatic
heavily T2 weighted 2D breath-hold HASTE
ducts with or without bulging mass protruding into
sequence was taken. Two breath-hold acquisitions
distal CBD. ERCP criterion are dilated CBD and
were also obtained, so that the whole of the liver
pancreatic duct with or without visible ampullary
down to the duodenal ampulla is visualized.
mass.10
Following this, two 3D respiratory-triggered
heavily T2-weighted FSE sequences in the coronal Carcinoma gallbladder (Resendea et al):
oblique plane was performed. The imaging plane Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography
is selected from the initial axial T2-weighted (MRCP) criterion are hyperdense structure within
images, with one acquisition aligned to the the gallbladder infundibulum, bile duct dilatation
common bile duct (CBD) in the head of the and filling defect and pancreaticobiliary
pancreas and the second acquisition aligned to the maljunction. ERCP criterion is frond-like mass
pancreatic duct. Respiratory triggering is achieved within the gallbladder.12
with the use of a navigator sequence. A stack of Cholangiocarcinoma: MRCP criterion are
40 slices are obtained, which are contiguous and irregular narrowing of the bile ducts, with or
each of 1.5 mm in thickness. As the images are without obstruction, asymmetric narrowing of the
heavily T2-weighted, the pancreaticobiliary tree lumen, abrupt narrowing of the lumen and
is displayed as high signal intensity, whilst intraluminal filling defect. ERCP criterion for
adjacent structures are of reduced signal intensity. cholangiocarcinoma are filling defect or area of
narrowing, with irregular borders at the level of
Diagnostic criterion:
occlusion.13
Biliary strictures: As per Singh et al.8 & Surg
et al.9 MRCP & ERCP criterion taken was focal Biliary ascariasis: MRCP criterion is linear
change in luminal caliber with proximal hypointense signal of worm or hypointense tubular
extrahepatic duct dilatation. filling defect in CBD. Endoscopic retrograde
cholangiopancreatography criterion is a cylindrical
Calculus in CBD: MRCP criterion of low-signal
filling defect on the dilated common bile duct.14
filling defect within CBD surrounded by high-
signal bile. ERCP criterion is filling defects within Results:
the opacified CBD.10 The result and observations of the study is given
Choledochal cysts: As per Horn10 and Griffin et below.
al.11 Multiple cystic dilatations of the bile ducts
with both intra and extra hepatic components are
Table-I
taken as MRCP criterion. In ERCP contrast
Age distribution of the patients (n=60).
material seen filling cystic dilatations.
Carcinoma head of pancreas: MRCP criterion Age Number of patients with Sex Total
taken was the classical ‘double duct’ sign in a (years) Male Female
(n= 23) (n= 37)
patient with carcinoma at the head of pancreas
n (%) n (%) n (%)
with dilatation of both the CBD and pancreatic
duct and distension of the gallbladder.11 15-30 01 (4.35%) 03 (8.11%) 04 (6.7%)
31-45 08 (34.78%) 12 (32.43%) 20 (33.3%)
Chronic pancreatitis: Chronic pancreatitis was
considered by MRCP when there was dilatation 46-60 11 (47.83%) 15 (40.54%) 26 (43.3%)
of the main pancreatic duct, ectasia of the side 60-65 03 (13.04%) 07 (18.92%) 10 (16.7%)
branches and a low signal filling defect in the Total 23 37 60
proximal pancreatic duct. Long symmetric &
Mean ± SD 45.9±11.4
smooth stricture in distal common bile duct,
dilatation of main pancreatic duct and its SD=Standard deviation
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Diagnostic Performance of Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) Saraswati Basak et al
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Bangladesh Journal of Radiology and Imaging Vol. 32(1): January 2024
Table-VII
Shows comparison of MRCP diagnosis with final diagnosis (Done with ERCP and histopathology,
n=60)
Table VII shows, among 28 finally diagnosed cases Table-VIII shows that in this study, MRCP
of calculus in CBD, 27 was diagnosed by MRCP, diagnosed carcinoma gallbladder with 100%
where 26 cases were true positive and 01(one) case sensitivity, specificity, PPV & NPV. In case of
was false positive. Among 07 cases of pancreatic pancreatic head carcinoma MRCP showed 100%
head carcinoma all were correctly picked up by sensitivity, 96.2% specificity, 77.8% PPV & 100%
MRCP findings with 02 false positive cases. 07 NPV. Cholangiocarcinoma was found in 5% of
cases of carcinoma gall bladder, 05 cases of biliary cases with 100% sensitivity, specificity, PPV &
ascariasis, 03 cases of chronic pancreatitis, 03 NPV. Chronic pancreatitis was seen in 3 cases with
cases of cholangiocarcinoma and 02 cases of 66.7% sensitivity, 98.2% specificity, 66.7% PPV
periampullary carcinoma were also perfectly and 98.2% NPV. Periampullary carcinoma was
diagnosed by MRCP. Among 03 choledochal cyst seen in 3 cases with 50% sensitivity, 96.5%
cases, 02 were consistent with MRCP findings and specificity, 33.3% PPV & 98.2% NPV. Biliary
MRCP diagnosed a bile duct stricture case out of ascariasis was seen in 5 cases with 100%
02 cases. sensitivity, specificity, PPV & NPV.
Table-VIII
Validity of MRCP in evaluation of the causes of obstructive jaundice (n=60).
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Diagnostic Performance of Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) Saraswati Basak et al
Table-IX
Comparison of MRCP findings with ERCP diagnosis (n=60)
MRCP findings ERCP Diagnosis c2 df P value
Benign (n=41) Malignant (n=19)
Benign (n=38) 36 02 60.07 1 <0.0001
Malignant (n=22) 05 17 12.7 1
Table-X
Comparison of MRCP findings with Histopathology diagnosis (n=24)
MRCP findings Histopathology Diagnosis c2 df P value
Benign (n=05) Malignant (n=19)
Benign (n=02) 04 18 29.6 1 <0.0001
Malignant (n=22) 01 01 3.24 1
Table-IX shows the correlation of MRCP findings also elaborates that 18 cases were true positive
and ERCP diagnosis. Among 38 MRCP diagnosed (TP), 01 was true negative (TN), 04 cases were false
cases of benign obstructive jaundice, 36 were found positive (FP) and 01 false negative (FN) cases.
benign by ERCP findings. On the other hand,
100
amongst 22 cases of MRCP diagnosed obstructive
90
jaundice cases of malignant origin, 17 were
80
confirmed with ERCP. The result was statistically
70
significant. Table also elaborates that 36 cases 60
were true positive (TP), 17 were true negative
50
(TN), 02 were false positive (FP) and 05 false
40
negative (FN) cases.
30
Table X shows the correlation of MRCP findings 20
and histopathological diagnosis. Among 22 MRCP 10
diagnosed cases of malignant obstructive jaundice, 0
Sensitivity Specificity PPV NPV Accuracy
18 were proven correct histopathologically. Of the
two MRCP diagnosed benign lesions, one was found Fig -1: Showing sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV
malignant by histopathology. Finally, in 19 cases and accuracy of the MRCP (n=60) in the evaluation
of obstructive jaundice the cause was of malignant of causes of obstructive jaundice which are 87.8%,
origin. The result was statistically significant. Table 89.4%, 94.7%, 77.2% and 88.3% respectively.
Fig-2: MRCP (Axial section) of source image & Fig-3: MRCP (MIP reformat) showing a signal void
structure in mid part of CBD with proximal biliary dilatation - Choledocholithiasis.
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Bangladesh Journal of Radiology and Imaging Vol. 32(1): January 2024
Fig-4: Coronal section & Fig-5: Axial section of source image of MRCP showing a signal void structure
in distal part of CBD with upstream biliary dilatation - Choledocholithiasis.
Fig-6: ERCP shows a round, radiolucent filling Fig-7: Coronal section of source image of MRCP
defect with dilated CBD, CHD and intrahepatic showing soft tissue signal intensity area in mid
biliary tree - Choledocholithiasis and distal part of CBD with upstream biliary
dilatation -Growth in mid and distal CBD.
Fig-8: MIP reformat of MRCP Fig-9: Axial section & Fig- 10: Coronal section of source image of
image shows moderate dilatation MRCP showing soft tissue signal intensity area in neck of Gall
of intrahepatic biliary tree, LHD,
bladder with adjacent hepatic and porta-hepatis invasion
RHD, CHD & proximal CBD
with non-visualization of distal
and part of mid CBD in above
mentioned case.
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Diagnostic Performance of Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) Saraswati Basak et al
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Bangladesh Journal of Radiology and Imaging Vol. 32(1): January 2024
Our results of ERCP revealed CBD stone in results were in good harmony with Endoscopic
28(46.6%) cases, biliary ascariasis in 05(8.3%), retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and
chronic pancreatitis in 03(5%), carcinoma histopathological findings.
gallbladder in 07(11.6%), pancreatic head
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