ABSTRACT
Objective:To analyze the diagnostic value of magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) for extrahepatic biliary obstruction.Methods:MRCP images of 52 patients with extrahepatic biliary obstruction disease were retrospectively reviewed to conclude the lumen morphological abnormalities of benign versus malignant bile duct obstructions,which were confirmed by pathology and clinic observation.Results:MRCP could correctly identify the degree of ductal dilatation and the level of obstruction in all cases.The bile duct of 27 cases of benign biliary obstruction presented regular and symmetric dilation,gradual tapering.The dilatation degree of extrahepatic bile duct was significantly bigger than that of intrahepatic bile duct,the dead-wood sign was seen in intrahepatic bile duct.The bile duct of the 25 cases of malignant biliary obstruction presented abrupt narrowing or inerruption,dilatation,and had double-duct sign.The dilatation degree of extrahepatic bile duct was same as intrahepatic bile duct.The dilatation degree of extrahepatic and intrahepatic bile duct in malignant biliary obstruction group was more serious than that in benign biliary obstruction group.Conclusion:MRCP is the noninvasive technique of choice with high accuracy for patients with extrahepatic biliary obstruction disease.