Predictors of abnormalities on magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography: is there a role when the biliary tree is normal on previous imaging?

Background: There is limited evidence supporting the use of magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) if the biliary tree is within normal limits on ultrasound scan (US) or computed tomography (CT). The aim of this study was to assess the role of MRCP in the absence of a dilated biliary system on index imaging.

Methods: A retrospective observational study of consecutive MRCP investigations (n=427) was performed between October 2010 and June 2013 at a single district general hospital.