what is an mrcp

Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) is a type of imaging test that uses a powerful magnetic field, radio waves, and a computer to produce detailed images of the pancreatic and biliary (bile duct) systems. It is a non-invasive test that does not use X-ray radiation, and it is relatively safe. MRCP is used to diagnose conditions such as pancreatic cancer, pancreatitis, gallstones, and bile duct problems. During the test, a contrast agent is infused into the patients veins through an intravenous (IV) line to help produce clearer images of the organs and the tubes that connect them. The actual MRCP exam takes approximately 10-15 minutes, but it is often performed with a standard MRI of the abdomen, which may last approximately 30 minutes and involves lying still on a table that slides into a tunnel-like machine. MRCP is a relatively low-risk test that can provide answers to unexplained abdominal pain and help healthcare providers detect problems like pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, and gallstones.