Current role and future potential of magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography with an emphasis on incidental findings.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of relevant biliary and extrabiliary findings in patients undergoing magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three hundred eighty-four patients underwent 1.5-Tesla MRCP, and relevant biliary and extra-biliary findings were identified. RESULTS: Four hundred twenty-two biliary findings were identified in 384 patients (75%; 1.1 per patient). Ninety-five patients were free of any relevant biliary finding (25%). Incidental extrabiliary findings were observed in 763 patients (1.98/patient). CONCLUSION: Most of the findings can be diagnosed by MRCP, while others require further examination. Interdisciplinary involvement is recommended to optimize clinical categorization, management, and treatment of these incidental findings.