Ultrasound Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Ultrasound, including details on screening, diagnosis, pregnancy, detection.

The relative roles of magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) and endoscopic ultrasound in diagnosis of common bile duct calculi: a critically appraised topic.

McMahon CJ

Department of Radiology, St. Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin 4, Ireland. colmjmcmahon@yahoo.co.uk

INTRODUCTION: The relative roles of magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) in the investigation of common bile duct (CD) calculi were evaluated using "evidence-based practice" (EBP) methods. METHODS: A focused clinical question was constructed. A structured search of primary and secondary evidence was performed. Retrieved studies were appraised for validity, strength and level of evidence (Oxford/CEBM scale: 1-5). Retrieved literature was divided into group A; MRCP slice thickness >or=5 mm, group B; MRCP slice thickness = 3 mm or 3D-MRCP sequences. RESULTS: Six studies were eligible for inclusion (3 = level 1b, 3 = level 3b). Group A: sensitivity and specificity of MRCP and EUS were (40%, 96%) and (80%, 95%), respectively. Group B: sensitivity and specificity of MRCP and EUS were (87%, 95%) and (90%, 99%), respectively. CONCLUSION: MRCP should be the first-line investigation for CD calculi and EUS should be performed when MRCP is negative in patients with moderate or high pre-test probability.

Published 21 December 2007 in Abdom Imaging, 33(1): 6-9.
Full-text of this article is available online (may require subscription).

© 2004-2008 Ultrasound Research Today. All Rights Reserved.