SIGNIFICANCE OF MRCP IN ASSESSING HEPATOBILIARY ABNORMALITIES

Abstract

Background: Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) has become integral in diagnosing hepatobiliary abnormalities due to its non-invasive nature and high-resolution imaging. This review highlights MRCP's effectiveness in assessing conditions such as biliary obstruction, choledocholithiasis, strictures, and congenital anomalies. Aim & Objective: The main objective of this study was to evaluate the significance of MRCP in evaluating hepatobiliary abnormalities. Methods & Methodology: A prospective study conducted in a Kolkata private hospital from December 2023 to March 2024 included 60 patients with suspected hepatobiliary diseases. Patients suspected with clinical, biochemical or radiological suspicion of hepatobiliary diseases were included in the study. Result: Our study of 60 patients with suspected hepatobiliary pathologies (aged 19-82 years, mean age 49.8) revealed tenderness at the epigastric area (54%) as the most common clinical symptom, followed by upper abdominal pain (27%), recurrent vomiting (13%), and gastric problems (6%). MRCP diagnosed hepatomegaly (26.6%) as the most frequent condition, followed by gallbladder sludge (21.6%), cholecystitis (18.3%), cholelithiasis (15%), choledocholithiasis (11.6%), and dilated common bile duct (6%). Conclusion: In conclusion, our study underscores the pivotal role of MRCP in diagnosing hepatobiliary abnormalities with non-invasive, high-resolution imaging. It effectively identifies various pathologies including hepatomegaly and gallbladder disorders. MRCP emerges as a valuable tool for comprehensive assessment, guiding effective management strategies for patients with suspected hepatobiliary diseases.