MR: What we need to know to start to interpret radiological pictures

Abstract

Magnetic resonance (MR) with cholangiopancreatography imaging has evolved considerably in the last decades. Improving in spatial resolution and speed of acquisition, MR provides comprehensive information to evaluate the full range of biliary and pancreatic diseases in a single session, without using any ionizing radiation. Furthermore, MR cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) has an accepted main role in the study of many biliary and pancreatic disorders, becoming a noninvasive diagnostic alternative to endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). A knowledge of the different MR imaging sequences and their potential clinical applications and limitations for cholangiopancreatographic evaluation is as essential as a familiarity with the spectrum of possible biliary and pancreatic findings. The main goals are to accurately identify and characterize the disease processes and to provide effective guidance for treatment.