The full form of MRCP is Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography. MRCP is a special type of MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) that produces high-resolution images of the pancreatic system and hepatobiliary. The test helps doctors with clear images of the gallbladder, liver, bile ducts, pancreatic duct, and pancreas. Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography is especially useful in understanding the underlying cause of pancreatitis.
To perform a Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography, doctors use a medicine called Secretin. This gives an idea of the long-term scarring and an overview of the health of pancreatic function. The procedure is also very useful in detecting abdominal pain. Usually, the technician will instruct you to avoid eating and drinking for several hours before the procedure. Once the contrast material is injected, the rest of the procedure works like MRI. There is no ionizing radiation in Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography. Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography is not risky and is preferred over CT Scan.