Comparison of Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) with Ultrasonography (USG) and Computed Tomography (CT) in the Evaluation of Patients with Obstructive Jaundice

Introduction: Obstructive jaundice is a widespread clinical problem. It has been documented as one of the primary cause of increased mortality and morbidity. Although clinical data such as history, physical examination, and laboratory tests can differentiate between intra hepatic and extra hepatic obstruction in 90% of patients, the cause and site of obstruction is diagnosed by imaging modalities. The frequently used imaging modalities include Ultrasonography (USG), Computed Tomography (CT), Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography (MRCP). Percutaneous Transhepatic Cholangiography (PTC) is used for drainage procedures. Study aim to appraise the diagnostic accuracy of MRCP in detecting the cause and level of obstruction in patients suffering from with Obstructive Jaundice. Material and methods: A total no. of 25 patients suffering from obstructive jaundice of all age groups and either sex who were referred to Department of Radio-Diagnosis, Chettinad Hospitals and Research Institute were included in this study. Results: Of the twenty five patients, ten patients had benign causes of obstructive jaundice while fifteen patients had malignant causes of obstructive jaundice. MRCP had an accuracy of 97% in detecting the cause of obstructive jaundice. In diagnosing the site of obstruction MRCP had an accuracy of 100%. Conclusion: In the diagnosis of obstructive jaundice and to know the cause, site and extent of the lesion MRCP being a non invasive, non ionizing procedure seems to be a better choice. The only drawback of MRCP is the cost involved and the availability. The limitation of the study is the small sample size and that ERCP correlation for these patients was not done.