Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP)
MRCP (bile duct MRI) in Casablanca
MRCP, also called MR cholangiography, shows the bile ducts, meaning the channels that carry bile from the liver to the intestine, as well as the pancreatic duct. Its sequences make still fluids appear white, most often without an injection. Unlike an endoscopy, nothing is inserted into the body. It helps the doctor look for a stone, a narrowing or a widening of these ducts.
Duration, report and equipment
Duration
On its own, MRCP usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, longer if it is combined with a liver MRI with injection.
Report turnaround
Report within 48 hours. In an emergency, during opening hours, the report is handed over immediately.
Equipment
GE SIGNA Prime 1.5 T
When is this exam needed?
- Suspected stone in the common bile duct (the main bile duct), after biliary colic or jaundice.
- Bile ducts found to be dilated on ultrasound.
- Liver blood tests suggesting an obstruction to the flow of bile.
- Pancreatitis whose cause is being investigated.
- Monitoring of a chronic disease of the bile ducts, such as cholangitis.
- Checking the ducts before or after gallbladder or liver surgery.
How the exam is done
After the safety questionnaire has been checked and you have left your metal objects, you lie on your back. A coil is strapped over your upper abdomen, sometimes with a small respiratory sensor.
The images are taken in short series: some while you hold your breath for a few seconds with empty lungs, others synchronized with your calm breathing. Do not move between series. You may be offered pineapple juice just before: it reduces the signal from the stomach and gives a clearer view of the ducts. An injection is added only if a lesion of the liver or pancreas is also being looked for. The exam is noisy but painless, and you leave without any particular instructions.
Preparation
- Do not drink large amounts just before: a stomach full of fluid can hide part of the ducts.
- Your usual medication can generally be taken with a sip of water.
- Practice staying a few seconds without breathing, with empty lungs.
Fasting
No fasting is needed.
Contrast injection
Usually, no contrast agent is needed. Gadolinium may be injected through a vein in the arm if a lesion of the liver, the pancreas or the wall of the ducts is also being looked for.
Contraindications and precautions
- Pacemaker, defibrillator or neurostimulator: the exam is possible only with an MRI-compatible device.
- Cochlear implant, implanted drug pump, older neurosurgical clip.
- Metal fragment in the body, especially in the eye.
- Metal biliary stent: please mention it, as it can interfere with reading the images around it.
- Insulin pump or glucose sensor (such as FreeStyle Libre): to be removed before the exam. Bring what you need to replace it or put it back afterwards.
- Current or possible pregnancy: please tell us. MRI is performed only if it is necessary, preferably after the first trimester, and without gadolinium unless absolutely necessary.
- Fear of enclosed spaces, tattoos or permanent makeup: please mention them when you book.
Documents to bring
- Prescription
- Recent abdominal ultrasound and other imaging exams of the liver or pancreas
- Results of liver blood tests (liver enzymes, bilirubin)
- Report of any gallbladder surgery or biliary endoscopy
- List of medications and insurance or mutual insurance fund card
- Recent creatinine test if an injection is being considered
Price and insurance coverage
The price of an MRCP depends on the extent of the area examined (MRCP alone, or combined with a study of the liver and pancreas) and on a gadolinium injection, which is usually unnecessary.
The center accepts coverage from insurance companies and the main mutual insurance funds. You submit the coverage request to your insurer or fund yourself. For AtlantaSanad and Sanlam, the center takes care of it.
No prices are shown on this site: Kenza gives you the exact price on WhatsApp, along with the coverage procedure for your situation.
Frequently asked questions
Does MRCP replace endoscopic cholangiography?
For examining the ducts, often yes, without anesthesia or any instrument inserted through the mouth. However, it cannot provide treatment. If a stone needs to be removed, the doctor may then suggest a therapeutic endoscopy, performed by a gastroenterologist.
How is MRCP different from a liver MRI?
It focuses on the bile ducts and the pancreatic duct, using the natural contrast of fluids. A liver MRI mainly examines the liver tissue and its lesions, most often with an injection. Both can be done in the same session if the prescription calls for it.
Can all stones be seen?
MRCP is sensitive for stones in the common bile duct, but a very small stone, or a stone lodged at the end of the duct, can remain difficult to distinguish. The radiologist takes into account your symptoms and your blood tests; your doctor then decides on the next steps.
I have already had gallbladder surgery: is the exam useful?
It can be. After the gallbladder has been removed, a stone can persist or form in the main duct and cause new pain. MRCP then helps to check the appearance of the ducts. Remember to bring the surgical report.
MRCP (bile duct MRI) in Casablanca: how much does it cost?
The price of an MRCP depends on the extent of the area examined (MRCP alone, or combined with a study of the liver and pancreas) and on a gadolinium injection, which is usually unnecessary. The center accepts coverage from insurance companies and the main mutual insurance funds. No prices are shown on this site: Kenza gives you the exact price on WhatsApp, along with the coverage procedure for your situation.