Improvement of image quality in MR cholangiography.

Purpose: To improve the image quality of magnetic resonance cholangiopancreaticography (MRCP) by modification of examination conditions. Materials and Methods: MRCP of 72 patients was performed with a 1.5 T system (Magnetom Vision, Siemens, 25 mT/m) using two breath-hold techniques, half-fourier acquisition with multislice T-2-WI HASTE in MIP technique, and single shot T-2-WI turbo-spin-echo (RARE) with different slice thicknesses. The effects of n-butylscopolamine were assessed. Furthermore, oral contrast agents [barium sulfate, Fe(ll)gluconate, Fe(ll,lll)-oxide] in various concentrations were used. The slice thickness was varied for the RARE sequence (3 - 7 cm). Results: N-butylscopolamine had no influence on image quality. Improvements could be attained by variation of the slice thickness. A significant reduction of disturbing background noise was obtained by oral application of iron gluconate, or iron oxide-containing contrast media. Similar improvements were achieved with barium sulfate. Conclusions: Variation of slice thickness allows an improvement of MRCP quality. Oral contrast media improve the image quality of MRCP. The expense of contrast media may be a determinant of choice.