Comparison of conventional and high-resolution 2D-RARE-MRCP in the evaluation of pancreaticobiliary diseases.

Purpose: Evaluation of high-resolution 2D-RARE MRCP in the diagnosis of pancreaticobiliary diseases. Materials and Methods: 23 patients with various pancreaticobiliary diseases were evaluated using conventional and high-resolution 2D-RARE sequences. Results: High-resolution RARE MRCP allowed for improved delineation of biliary and pancreatic ducts at the expense of reduced signal-to-noise ratio. Pathological findings were significantly (p<0.001) better demonstrated with high resolution RARE MRCP (score 1.65 +/- 0.54) as compared to the conventional RARE sequence (score 2.58+/-0.62). Conclusions: High-resolution 2D-RARE-MRCP improves the delineation of biliary and pancreatic ducts. This sequence should replace the conventional 2D-RARE sequence.