Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography at bile ducts anatomical variations

Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) provides images of the biliary tree and pancreatic duct, similar to those obtained by invasive X-ray methods, without the use of radiation and contrast agents. The advantages of the method in combination with its high sensitivity and specificity for a wide range of biliary and pancreatic diseases are the cause of its increasing use. MRCP is also used in non-invasive examination of variations in the anatomy of the biliary tract. Identification of anatomical variations of bile ducts prevents ligation or incision of aberrant bile ducts, and severe postoperative complications. Capabilities of MRCP for depiction of the biliary tree depends on used MRI sequences and the presence of pathology. (authors) Key words: MAGNETIC RESONANCE CHOLANGIOPANCREATOGRAPHY. BILE DUCTS. ANATOMICAL VARIATIONS