Anatomic variants and congenital abnormalities of the biliary tree seen on magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography

In order to illustrate the role of magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) in the diagnosis of anatomic variants and congenital abnormalities of the biliary tree, we conducted a retrospective study o MRCP scans performed due to different indications to identify anatomic variants and congenital abnormalities of the pancreas and biliary tree. High field MR machines (1.0 T and 1.5 T) and 3D TSE sequences were used to obtain images in the axial and coronal planes with MIP reconstructions in all studies. MRCP showed low cystic duct insertion, and a parallel course of the cystic and hepatic ducts as well as bile duct bifurcation abnormalities and aberrant right and left hepatic duct. We also present examples of the main types of congenital cystic dilatation of the bile ducts. The recognition of the main anatomic variants of the biliary tree and pancreatic ducts helps to optimize the diagnostic accuracy of MR cholangiopancreatography. (author)