Résumé
Purpose: To assess the value of MRCP in the detection of biliary complications after orthotopic liver transplantation.
Materials and methods: 27 transplanted patients with suspected biliary complication underwent a total of 34 MR and direct cholangiography procedures. MRCP were reviewed by 2 independent reviewers blinded to clinical and laboratory findings. The biliary tract was divided into 7 segments, and all lesions were evaluated using this segmental anatomy. Each segment was evaluated for the presence of dilatation, stenosis and intra-ductal debris. MRCP results were compared to results frpm direct cholangiography.
Results: 216 (98%) of 221 biliary segments could be evaluated on MRCP, with good to excellent visualization in 179 (80%) cases. Segmental analysis showed sensitivity, specificity and accuracy values of 85%, 81 % and 83% for the detection of biliary stenosis, 82%, 81 % and 81 % for the detection of biliary dilatation, and 60%, 88% and 80% for the detection of inyraductal debris.
Conclusion: MRCP is accurate for the detection of biliary stenosis and dilatation in patients after liver transplantation and provides an alternative to direct cholangiography.