Comparison of Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) in Bile Duct Imaging

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in diagnosing bile duct pathologies. Materials and Methods: We documented the data of 171 patients with both ERCP and MRCP between January 2009 and December 2010 at the Konya Education and Research Hospital. Results: Of the 171 patients, 100 (58.5%) were female and 71 (41.5%) were male. The median age was 63 (55 to 89). ERCP was used to diagnose bile duct stones in 102 (59%) patients, bile duct tumour in 14 (8%) patients, hydatic cysts opening up to the bile duct in 4 (2%) patients and bile duct stenosis in 3 (1.8%) patients. For the detection of bile duct stones, MRCP had a sensitivity of 92%, a specificity of 74% and a diagnostic accuracy of 83%. For bile duct tumours, MRCP had a sensitivity of 85%, a specificity of 98% and a diagnostic accuracy rate of 92%. Conclusion: In our centre, the results of MRCP and ERCP were similar for the last two years. However, MRCP was superior with respect to diagnosis as it was cheaper and non-invasive. Thus, ERCP should be preferred for therapeutic processes.