MRCP stands for Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) and is a non-invasive and non-therapeutic technique for viewing the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, pancreatic duct and the bile ducts.
MRCP is an MRI scan of the abdomen but with a different, more specific target. The scan is focused on the upper abdomen and uses computer software to image the bile ducts where pathology is often found. MRCP can also be done to detect pancreatic pathologies or blockages in the pancreatic duct.
Sometimes your MRCP requires a special dye to enhance certain organs. This is not often required as it is possible to obtain a sufficiently detailed picture of the lesion without it.
The dye is a clear, liquid solution injected through a soft cannula and eliminated through the kidneys.
Contrast (dye)
Some symptoms and illnesses can be hard to detect even on a MRI scan and require injection of dye (contrast) before or during the scan.
It is particularly helpful in the following conditions:
- Tumours
- Inflammation
- Blood vessels
- Distinguishing between scar tissue and normal organ tissue
The injection is considered very safe for most and you will complete a safety questionnaire detailing your medical history before. The contrast agent (dye) is Gadolinium based and most of it is removed by your kidneys within the next day.
Read more about Gadolinium contrast dye
| Scan Type |
|---|
| Cholangiography (MRCP) |