MRCP (Cholangiopancreatography)

Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) providing non-invasive imaging of the biliary tree, gallbladder, and pancreatic duct system. The radiation-free alternative to diagnostic ERCP for investigating biliary and pancreatic duct pathology.

MRCP at AGEL Praha is a specialised MRI technique that produces detailed images of the biliary and pancreatic ductal systems without the need for invasive endoscopy, contrast injection into the ducts, or ionising radiation. The Siemens MAGNETOM Sola 1.5T scanner uses heavily T2-weighted sequences that exploit the natural high signal intensity of stationary fluid within the bile ducts and pancreatic duct, creating a map of the ductal anatomy comparable to the images obtained by conventional endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) -- but without the associated risks of pancreatitis, perforation, or sedation. The examination visualises the intrahepatic bile ducts, common hepatic duct, cystic duct, common bile duct, gallbladder, and the main pancreatic duct (duct of Wirsung) and its accessory branch (duct of Santorini). Common pathology detected includes choledocholithiasis (bile duct stones), strictures of benign or malignant aetiology, choledochal cysts, pancreatic duct dilatation, and anatomical variants such as pancreas divisum. MRCP is the investigation of choice when biliary or pancreatic duct obstruction is suspected based on clinical findings (jaundice, elevated liver enzymes, pancreatitis of unclear cause) or when ultrasound has identified gallbladder stones and the clinician wants to exclude concurrent duct stones before cholecystectomy. It is also used for surveillance of known conditions such as primary sclerosing cholangitis or intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMN). The 35-minute scan requires fasting for four to six hours beforehand to ensure the gallbladder is adequately distended. The patient lies supine with a body coil. No contrast agent is needed for standard MRCP -- the ductal anatomy is visualised using the intrinsic properties of bile and pancreatic fluid. At 8,800 CZK (approximately EUR 360), MRCP at AGEL Praha is competitively priced compared to Western European centres where the examination typically costs EUR 400-600. For patients with biliary symptoms seeking rapid access to non-invasive ductal imaging, Prague's central location and AGEL's English-language booking make this an accessible option.