The Value of MRCP in the Evaluation of the Level and Degree of Biliary Obstruction in Obstructive Jaundice

Abstract

Objective: Obstructive jaundice, which occurs in bile duct obstructions, cannot be clinically differentiated from cholestatic jaundice caused by hepatocellular disease. An accurate diagnosis of obstructive jaundice is possible using non-invasive methods such as MRCP. The aim of this study is to evaluate the role of MRCP and determining the level and the degree of biliary obstruction in cases of obstructive jaundice. Materials and Methods:This observational retrospective study included 38 patients who had clinical and biochemical signs of obstructive jaundice during the period from April 2016 to October 2022. MRCP findings were correlated with clinical history, examination, biochemical tests and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography ERCP/surgical findings, which is the gold standard, according to the diagnosis and treatment approach valid for the case using descriptive statistical methods.Results: There were 38 patients (10 males and 28 females) in the study, whose ages ranged from 15 to 86. The study revealed that biliary obstruction was more common among males and the most common level of the obstruction was found to be the distal common bile duct (CBD). Stones were the most common cause of obstruction jaundice. The 38 patients had 49.4% CBD stones, 21.0% CBD strictures, 10.5% CBD tumors and 5.2% ampullary cancer. Conclusion:MRCP is susceptible to biliary tract diseases such as stones, strictures and malignancies. In the postoperative period when ERCP is not possible, MRCP plays a very important role in diagnosis. In cases where ERCP is not possible or unsuccessful, MRCP plays a complementing role and the diagnostic value of MRCP can be mentioned.