MR imaging of benign and malignant biliary conditions

James R Costello; Bobby Kalb; Surya Chundru; Hina Arif; Iva Petkovska; Diego R Martin

doi:10.1016/j.mric.2014.05.002

MR imaging of benign and malignant biliary conditions

Magn Reson Imaging Clin N Am. 2014 Aug;22(3):467-88. doi: 10.1016/j.mric.2014.05.002.

Authors

James R Costello¹, Bobby Kalb², Surya Chundru¹, Hina Arif¹, Iva Petkovska¹, Diego R Martin¹

Affiliations

¹ Department of Medical Imaging, University of Arizona, 1501 North Campbell Avenue, PO Box 245067, Tucson, AZ 85725, USA; Body Division, Department of Medical Imaging, University of Arizona, 1501 North Campbell Avenue, PO Box 245067, Tucson, AZ 85725, USA.
² Department of Medical Imaging, University of Arizona, 1501 North Campbell Avenue, PO Box 245067, Tucson, AZ 85725, USA; Body Division, Department of Medical Imaging, University of Arizona, 1501 North Campbell Avenue, PO Box 245067, Tucson, AZ 85725, USA. Electronic address: bkalb@radiology.arizona.edu.

PMID: 25086940
DOI: 10.1016/j.mric.2014.05.002

Abstract

MR imaging is a noninvasive, radiation-free imaging method for evaluation of the biliary system. Continued advancements in MR imaging system hardware and sequence design, coupled with novel gadolinium chelate agents, allow for a detailed evaluation of the bile ducts and surrounding soft tissues. New hepatocyte-specific contrast agents may hold utility in the anatomic and functional evaluation of bile duct injury. MR imaging is also the imaging method of choice for bile duct tumor diagnosis, staging, and presurgical planning. Familiarity with the proper methodology of MR image acquisition and interpretation is critical for optimized diagnostic assessment.

Keywords: Bile ducts; Cholangiocarcinoma; Choledocholithiasis; Hepatobiliary-specific contrast agents; MR imaging; MRCP; Posthepatic transplant evaluation; Primary sclerosing cholangitis.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Bile Duct Diseases / diagnosis*
Bile Duct Neoplasms / diagnosis
Bile Ducts / pathology*
Contrast Media
Humans
Image Enhancement
Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*

Substances

Contrast Media