Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography
Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography (pronunciation: mag-net-ic re-zo-nance ko-lan-geo-pan-kree-a-tog-ra-phy) is a medical imaging technique that uses magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to visualize the biliary tract, including the pancreas, gallbladder, and bile ducts.
Etymology
The term "Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography" is derived from the words "magnetic resonance", referring to the use of magnetic fields and radio waves to create images, and "cholangiopancreatography", which is a combination of "cholangio-" (relating to the bile ducts), "-pancreato-" (relating to the pancreas), and "-graphy" (the process of recording).
Procedure
During a Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography, the patient lies inside a large cylindrical MRI machine. The machine uses a powerful magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of the biliary tract and pancreas. The images can help doctors diagnose conditions such as gallstones, pancreatitis, and cancer of the bile ducts or pancreas.
Related Terms
- Cholangiography: A similar procedure that uses X-rays and a contrast dye to visualize the bile ducts.
- Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP): A procedure that combines endoscopy and X-rays to diagnose and treat problems of the biliary or pancreatic ducts.
- Pancreatic duct: The duct that carries digestive enzymes from the pancreas to the small intestine.
- Biliary tract: The path by which bile is secreted by the liver then transported to the small intestine.
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