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Updated: Jul 16, 2026
08:42
Using Multi-fluorinated Bile Acids and In Vivo Magnetic Resonance Imaging to Measure Bile Acid Transport
Published on: November 27, 2016
MR imaging of acute biliary disorders
Yuji Watanabe1, Masako Nagayama, Akira Okumura
1Department of Radiology, Kurashiki Central Hospital, 1-1-1 Miwa, Kurashiki 710-8602, Japan. yw5904@kchnet.or.jp
Summary
Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging aids in diagnosing acute biliary disorders and complications when ultrasound and CT scans are inconclusive. MR imaging provides detailed insights into gallbladder issues and obstructive jaundice, improving diagnostic accuracy.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Gastroenterology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Accurate diagnosis of acute right-sided epigastric pain, jaundice, and fever is crucial.
- Differentiating acute biliary from nonbiliary disorders and assessing disease severity are key challenges.
- Gray-scale ultrasonography (US) and computed tomography (CT) are primary imaging tools but have limitations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the complementary role of Magnetic Resonance (MR) imaging in diagnosing acute biliary disorders.
- To demonstrate the utility of MR imaging in identifying complications of acute cholecystitis.
- To showcase MR imaging's effectiveness in evaluating obstructive jaundice and related conditions.
Main Methods:
- Utilized multisequence MR imaging, including MR cholangiopancreatography (MRCP).
- Employed single-section MRCP combined with heavily T2-weighted and fat-suppressed T1/T2-weighted imaging.
- Incorporated contrast-enhanced MR imaging for gallbladder wall evaluation.
Main Results:
- MR imaging offers excellent tissue contrast and specific diagnostic information.
- Identified complications of acute cholecystitis: empyema, gangrenous cholecystitis, perforation, fistula, emphysematous, and hemorrhagic cholecystitis.
- Clearly demonstrated causes of obstructive jaundice, acute suppurative cholangitis, and hemobilia.
- Detailed visualization of biliary system, calculi, inflammation, purulent material, abscesses, gas, and hemorrhage.
- Contrast-enhanced MR identified gallbladder wall abnormalities indicative of gangrenous cholecystitis and perforation.
Conclusions:
- MR imaging, particularly MRCP, is a valuable adjunct to US and CT for acute biliary disorders.
- MR imaging provides comprehensive assessment of biliary pathology and complications.
- Specific MR findings aid in diagnosing severe gallbladder conditions and obstructive jaundice.
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