About an MRCP scan
MRCP stands for magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography. It is a special type of MRI scan that shows the bile ducts (the tubes that carry bile from the liver and gallbladder to the bowel), the gallbladder, the pancreas and the pancreatic duct. It uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves, not X-rays.
The scan is commonly used to look for gallstones that have moved into the bile ducts, which can cause pain, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) or pancreatitis. It is also used to investigate abnormal liver blood tests, narrowing (strictures) or widening of the ducts, causes of pancreatitis, cysts in the pancreas and unexplained upper abdominal pain.
MRCP is a non-invasive alternative to ERCP, a procedure where a camera is passed through the mouth into the bowel to reach the bile duct. ERCP carries some risks, including pancreatitis, so MRCP is often used first to see whether ERCP is needed. You can read more in our article on MRCP.
What happens during the scan
You lie on your back on the scanner bed with a coil placed over your upper abdomen. The scanner is loud, so you will wear ear plugs or headphones, and the radiographer can talk to you throughout. You will be asked to hold your breath several times, usually for around 15–20 seconds, and some pictures may be timed with your breathing. Some centres give you a drink beforehand to darken the stomach and bowel so the ducts show more clearly. An injection of contrast dye is not always needed; where contrast is needed, it is charged separately.
What the scan can show
An MRCP can help to look at:
- gallstones in the bile ducts (choledocholithiasis) and gallbladder
- narrowing (strictures) or widening of the bile ducts
- the causes of pancreatitis, including changes in the pancreatic duct
- cysts and lumps in the pancreas
- tumours of the bile ducts, gallbladder and pancreas
- the bile ducts after gallbladder or liver surgery
When to get urgent help: seek urgent medical advice if you develop yellowing of your skin or eyes with a high temperature, or severe tummy pain.
Preparing for your scan
You will usually be asked not to eat for around 4 hours before the scan, as food in the stomach and bowel can blur the pictures; the centre will confirm the exact instructions when you book. You can usually take your regular medicines with a little water.
Fasting also lets the gallbladder fill with bile, so it shows clearly. If you have had previous ultrasound scans, CT scans or liver blood tests, upload the results when you book.
You can usually eat, drink and take your normal medicines unless the scanning centre tells you otherwise. Wear loose, comfortable clothing without metal zips or buttons, and leave jewellery at home. You will be asked to remove metal items such as hair clips, hearing aids, coins and keys, and you may be asked to change into a gown.
Before the scan you will complete a safety questionnaire. Tell the team if you have a pacemaker, any metal implant, surgical clips or other device, if you have kidney problems or allergies, or if you are, or might be, pregnant or breastfeeding. If you feel anxious in enclosed spaces, let us know when you book. Some centres can offer a relaxant, and if you take one you will need someone to take you home and must not drive for 24 hours.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between MRCP and ERCP?
MRCP is a scan that takes pictures of the bile and pancreatic ducts without any instruments entering the body. ERCP uses a camera passed through the mouth and can also treat problems, such as removing stones, but carries more risk. MRCP is often done first to see whether ERCP is needed.
Why do I need to fast?
An empty stomach reduces movement and fluid in the bowel that can blur the pictures, and lets the gallbladder fill so it shows clearly. The centre will confirm how long to fast for.
Will I need a contrast injection?
Not always. The ducts show up well on MRCP without contrast because of the fluid inside them. Contrast may be used to look at a lump or the liver; if needed, it is charged separately.
Do I need a referral?
You can tell us if you have a referral from your GP, physiotherapist or consultant and upload it when you book. If you do not have one, select “no referral” when you book and the scanning centre will confirm the next steps with you.
Sources
- RadiologyInfo.org – MRCP (MR Cholangiopancreatography)
- University Hospital Southampton NHS – MRCP scan (patient leaflet)
- NHS – Gallstones: diagnosis
- NHS – MRI scan
The information on this page has been gathered from various sources and is provided for general information only. It is not medical advice. TOP MRI is not liable for the accuracy or completeness of this information. Please speak to your doctor or the scanning centre about your own situation.