Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreaticography as a diagnostic tool for common bile duct stones: a comparison with ERCP and clinical follow-up.

Background/aims: The diagnostic potential of magnetic resonance cholangiopancreaticography (MRCP) has improved as a result of evolving technique. MRCP has the advantage of negligible morbidity and mortality in contrast to endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). This study was performed to evaluate MRCP as a replacement for diagnostic ERCP for the suspicion of common bile duct (CBD) stones.

Universal indirect tomography.

The procedure is performed in two stages. First, during the radiographic exposure, the patient is rotated in relation to the X-ray tube and a recording device, namely a cinefluorographic device or a television chain with a video-recorder. In practice the tube and the recording device will be revolved around the patient.