MR cholangiopancreatography in the diagnosis of biliary tract carcinoma at an early stage

We discuss the usufulness of MRCP in the diagnosis of biliary tract carcinomas at an early stage by referring to 412 outpatients, who were suspected for abnormality in the hepatopancreatic region and were examined by MRCP. We found 12 cases of biliary tract carcinomas and 6 cases of papillocarcinomas, which included 6 of unicterics, one of non-biliary dilation, 11 of possible excision, 6 of possible healing excision, one of biliary tract carcinoma invading the serosa, 2 of papillocarcinomas at an early stage, and also one of rectal biliary tract carcinoma suggesting abnormal confluence. We can obtain biliary tract images in high resolution by MRCP with FASE (Fast Asymmetric Spin Echo Technique) under respiratory arrest for 3 seconds, and so MRCP is a useful method to screen biliary diseases. MRCP is also useful in detecting biliary tract carcinomas in an early stage, and in improving the prognosis. We expect the future development of this technique. (K.H.)