MRCP Cholangiography (MRI of the Bile Ducts)

MRCP (magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography) is a specialised MRI that produces detailed pictures of the bile ducts, gallbladder and pancreatic duct without any injection or radiation. It is used to investigate suspected gallstones in the ducts, blockages, narrowing and other problems of the biliary and pancreatic drainage system. At MojaDiagnoza MRCP is 699 zł, performed on the centre's own scanner and usually without a referral.

MRCP, or magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography, is a tailored MRI technique that uses heavily fluid-weighted sequences to make the bile and pancreatic ducts stand out brightly against the surrounding tissues, producing a clear map of the biliary tree, the gallbladder and the pancreatic duct. Its great advantage is that it does this non-invasively — without the injection of contrast, without ionising radiation and without the endoscopy involved in ERCP — so it is often the first detailed test when a duct problem is suspected. It is commonly used to look for stones within the bile ducts, narrowing or strictures, blockages causing jaundice, and congenital or other structural variations of the ducts. At MojaDiagnoza the examination is acquired on the centre's own MRI scanner. You lie still on the table and may be asked to hold your breath briefly for some sequences to keep the images sharp; the study generally takes around fifteen to twenty-five minutes. Ear protection is provided because the machine is noisy during imaging, and you may be asked not to eat for a few hours beforehand so the gallbladder and ducts are seen at their best — the team confirms any preparation when booking. MRCP is priced at 699 zł. The images are described by a radiology specialist and the report and pictures are made available through the RadPoint online portal, usually within around 96 hours. As with every MRI, a safety questionnaire is reviewed first, since certain implants or metal fragments may make the scan unsuitable.