MRCP MRI

MRCP MRI: Information and Get a Scan

The pancreas is responsible for producing several specialized digestive enzymes and hormones. These enzymes help with the breakdown of sugars, fats, protein and starches. The hormones produced primarily affect the absorption and regulation of blood sugar.

Studies have shown 0.06 per cent of adults in the UK will develop some form of pancreatitis. This can be caused by gallstones, alcohol, or complications from other disorders.

If your doctors suspect a pancreatic problem, or if you have unexplained abdominal swelling or pain they may order an MRCP scan.

What is an MRCP Scan?

A magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) scan is a specialized type of MRI scan used to evaluate the pancreas, gallbladder, bile ducts and pancreatic ducts. This procedure uses a magnetic field, radio waves, and a computer to generate images of these structures.

The MRCP scan can produce similar images to an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), without the need for an invasive endoscope. The MRCP scan can be performed on its own or in conjunction with a traditional MRI scan.

What is an MRCP Scan Used to Diagnose?

MRCP MRI scans are used to diagnose pancreatic cysts, pancreatic cancer and the following medical conditions that affect the pancreas and biliary system:

• Gallstones in the Bile Ducts - Gallstones are the result of a buildup of fatty deposits from the diet, and form in the gall bladder. If they move into the bile ducts from the gall bladder, they can cause severe pain in the right upper abdomen, jaundice and fever. 
• Bile Duct Obstruction - The bile ducts carry bile from the gall bladder and liver to the small intestines. They can be blocked or obstructed by gallstones, infection or tumours, causing jaundice, abdominal pain, fever and loss of appetite. 
• Bile Duct Strictures - A stricture causes a narrowing or a blockage in the bile duct and can be due to trauma, surgery, gallstones or tumours, resulting in pain, weight loss, jaundice and oily stools. 
• Pancreatic Duct Obstruction - An obstruction of the pancreatic duct that carries digestive enzymes from the pancreas to the small intestine, can be caused by gallstones, tumours and strictures. 
• Pancreatitis - Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, most often caused by gallstones or alcohol misuse, that can cause severe pain, fever, nausea and vomiting. 
• Cholangiocarcinoma - Cholangiocarcinoma is a type of bile duct cancer. 
• Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis - Inflammation of the bile ducts, often associated with inflammatory bowel disease that affects the digestive system, causes a condition called primary sclerosing cholangitis that leads to scarring and narrowing of the bile ducts. 

Acute pancreatitis–inflammation–has a 95 per cent recovery rate. Early diagnosis is always imperative for making a quick recovery. An MRCP can provide the insight needed for doctors to make an accurate diagnosis.

How an MRCP MRI Scan Works

Magnetic resonance imaging scans, or MRI scans, use strong magnetic fields and radio waves to provide detailed images of the inside of the body. They temporarily disrupt the hydrogen atoms in the body, which then release energy. Each tissue type creates a different level of energy, that’s then picked up by an MRI computer and turned into an image. Radiologists are then able to read and interpret these images to make a diagnosis. 

Equipment Used

An MRI scanner is a machine that resembles a large cylinder shaped tube with a bed that slides in and out of it. A standard MRI machine is relatively closed in, compared to more modern, open MRI machines. Which one you have will depend on your clinic. 

Benefits

MRI scans are generally considered safe for most patients, and they’re a quick, painless and non-invasive type of medical scan used to diagnose and rule out a wide range of medical conditions. Unlike some other imaging tests, including x-rays and CT scans, MRI machines don’t make use of ionising radiation and therefore there’s no risk of radiation exposure during an MRI scan. 

Risks

MRI scans are very safe, and there’s no known side-effects to having one. However, some MRI scans require the use of a contrast agent, a type of dye that’s injected into a vein that helps to highlight certain soft tissues. 

Such contrast agents are used in some MRCP MRI scans to allow a better view of the pancreatic and bile ducts, and their surrounding blood vessels. Some patients can develop an allergic reaction to these dyes, especially those who have kidney disease. If you have poor kidney function or a known allergy to a contrast agent, let your medical team know. Also let your doctors know if you begin to feel unwell during your scan. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include:

• Breathlessness

• Muscle weakness

• Excessive sweating

• Metallic taste in the mouth 

If you’re claustrophobic or you struggle to remain still, you may be offered a mild intravenous sedation to help keep you calm and still. 

How to Prepare For an MRCP Scan?

Since the MRCP is a non-invasive procedure there is little preparation needed. If the scan is being done in conjunction with an abdominal MRI scan you may need to avoid eating or drink for 4 to 5 hours before the procedure. Otherwise, you can eat and drink as normal unless your doctor tells you differently.

Upon arrival, you will need to fill out a medical questionnaire. It is important to inform the clinic if you have an implanted medical device, such as a defibrillator or pacemaker. Advanced MRI technologies make it possible to still safely undergo a scan, but the magnetic field can cause changes in the settings of these devices and will need to be monitored. You will need to identify if you have any metal in your body, including plates, clips, cochlear (inner ear) implants, or artificial joints. Metal objects can cause distorted images and changes to the procedure will need to be made to ensure an accurate image can be produced.

It’s also necessary to inform the technician of any allergies to medication, specifically contrast material. Generally, a contrast dye is not needed for an MRCP scan but your doctors may request it to view certain tissue types.

Although there is no connection between MRI and birth defects, you should still inform the technician if you are pregnant. The radiographer needs to have a comprehensive medical history before beginning the procedure.

The Procedure Explained: What to Expect 

MRI scanners are used to provide detailed images of the inside of the body, without the need for invasive or surgical procedures. The high quality images created are then used by doctors to diagnose or rule out certain medical conditions. They normally follow the same procedure: 

Safety Screening (e.g. metal implants, pacemakers)

Metallic objects are unsafe in an MRI scanner, meaning that all jewelry, body piercings and hearing aids will need to be removed. Non-removable metallic objects, such as cochlear implants, pacemakers and metal plates, pumps and valves may still be safe, particularly if they’re of the more modern type, but you should discuss them with your medical team beforehand. 

Changing into a Gown (if required)

It’s best to wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing to your appointment for your comfort, but a medical gown will be supplied if your radiographer thinks you’ll be more comfortable. 

Briefing by Radiographer

Your radiographer will make sure you’re comfortable with the process before taking your medical history and vital signs including your blood pressure, temperature and pulse. 

Positioning on the MRI Table

They’ll then help you into position, lying on your back on the MRI scanner table, and provide cushions to help keep you still and comfortable. During most MRCP MRI scans, you’ll enter the MRI machine feet first and you’ll only enter the machine up to your upper abdomen. They may place a small coil onto your upper abdomen, that helps the MRI machine take more targeted, detailed images. 

Headphones or Earplugs Provided

The strong magnets used in MRI machines make a loud, knocking sound when they’re switched on and off, and this can be daunting for some people. For this reason, your radiographer will supply you with headphones or earplugs to help reduce the noise. 

MRI Table Moves Into Scanner

When you’re ready, your radiographer will move behind a screen or to a separate room and they’ll control the MRI machine remotely. The MRI table will begin to slowly move into the MRI scanner. You’ll still be able to communicate with them through an intercom.

Scan Begins

Once the scan begins, you’ll be required to remain very still throughout. You may be asked to hold your breath at certain times, for a few seconds. The whole scan will take between 15 and 90 minutes, depending on your symptoms and medical history. 

What Happens After the Scan?

Once your radiographer is happy they have clear images of your pancreatic and biliary systems, the scan will be over and you’ll be able to get up from the MRI machine and get dressed. 

If you’ve had a contrast agent administered, you’ll be asked to remain in the clinic for half an hour to check for symptoms of an allergic reaction. This is especially important if you have poor kidney function. 

Getting the Results

Your medical team will analyse and discuss your results, along with the results of any other imaging tests before contacting you to talk you through them and any treatment plan. 

What Does an MRCP Scan Cost?

The national average for a private MRI scan is £363. At one of our centres, you can receive an MRI scan for as low as £299. The benefit of choosing a private MRI scan is to avoid long NHS wait times. The current NHS MRI wait is up to 18 weeks, while at our centres you can book an appointment within working 5 days–depending on your location.

The Bottom Line

An MCRP scan is an important non-invasive tool for assessing the condition of the pancreas and related structures. By providing a detailed look at the soft tissues, doctors can diagnose potential inflammation, infection, or cancer.

Get an MRCP MRI Scan

Being worried about your health is distressing and upsetting. But the sooner you have tests and investigations to discover what might be causing your symptoms, the sooner you can begin treatment. Waiting for an MRCP MRI scan on the NHS may take weeks or even longer. Book your private scan today and jump the queues.

References

1. https://www.pancan.org/facing-pancreatic-cancer/diagnosis/magnetic-resonance-imaging-mri/
2. https://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=mrcp
3. https://www.mydr.com.au/tests-investigations/magnetic-resonance-cholangiopancreatography-mrcp/
4. https://subrad.com/blog/2016/01/what-mrcp-test/
5. https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng104/chapter/Context
6. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/the-digestive-process-what-is-the-role-of-your-pancreas-in-digestion
7. https://patient.info/treatment-medication/mrcp-scan
8. https://oryon.co.uk/imaging/scans/mri/
9. https://www.privatehealth.co.uk/conditions-and-treatments/mri-scan/
10. https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/bile-duct-cancer/getting-diagnosed/tests-diagnose/mri-mrcp-scan
11. https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/hospitals/guide-to-nhs-waiting-times-in-england/