MRCP
Preparation:
· Fast at least 4 hours prior to exam
- Coil: body array coil (modify based on child’s age)
- Coverage: inferior lung bases through iliac crest
Optional:
- Secretin – may improve visualization of pancreatic duct; dose -‐ 2-‐ μgm/kg IV [1]
· Negative oral contrast agent – Acai/Blueberry/Pineapple juice [2] or other commercially available agent
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Sequence Name
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Vendor
Specific Name
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Plane (s)
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Fat
Saturation
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Motion Correction
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Additional info
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T2 single shot
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T2 Haste, SSFSE, SSH-‐
TSE
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Ax, Cor
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Yes
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FB
|
|
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T2 FSE
radial
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BLADE, PROPELLER,
MultiVane
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Axial
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Yes
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RT, BH
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|
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Balanced steady state free
precession
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TrueFISP, FIESTA,
balanced FFE
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Axial/ Coronal
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Yes
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RT, BH
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|
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3D MRCP
|
|
Coronal Oblique
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Yes
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RT
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MIPs of biliary tree with rotating tumble
TE: 500-‐1000 msec
|
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OPTIONAL
: T1 FS 3D GRE
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VIBE, LAVA, THRIVE
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Axial, Coronal
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Yes
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Pre-‐post contrast BH
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Optional: 1) evaluation for focal liver lesions or
2) contrast enhanced MRCP in hepatobiliary phase looking for bile leaks or strictures
See dynamic liver protocol for specific contrast agents and timing.
If giving IV contrast, perform MRCP after contrast
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FB = free breathing, RT = respiratory triggered, BH = breath hold
References:
- Chavan GB, Babyn PS, Manson D, et al (2008) Pediatric MR Cholangiopancreatography: Principles, Techniques, and Clinical Applications
- Bittman ME, Callahan MJ (2014) The effective use of acai juice, blueberry juice, and pineapple juice as negative oral contrast agents for magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography in children. Pediatr Radiol 44: 883-‐887