Authors' objectives:

This report addresses the following questions:

1. What is the value of magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) in the assessment of patients with suspected common bile duct stones following conventional assessment, including clinical and laboratory evaluation and abdominal ultrasound (US) imaging?

2. What is the value of MRCP in the assessment of patients with suspected bile duct strictures following conventional assessment, including clinical and laboratory evaluation and abdominal US imaging?

Authors' recommendations: MSAC recommended that on the strength of evidence pertaining to magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) that public funding should be supported for the investigation of suspected biliary obstruction in patients referred by specialist physicians or surgeons, under any of the following prerequisites: a. by laboratory evidence of biliary obstruction or cholangitis and common bile duct with a diameter of 7mm or more as demonstrated by ultrasound, b. technical failure of therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, c. significant dilation of intrahepatic ducts with or without common hepatic duct dilation and abnormal liver function tests, and d. post treatment assessment of patients who have had therapy for a benign or malignant stricture of the extrahepatic biliary tree. MSAC recommended that on the strength of evidence pertaining to magnetic resonance pancreatography (MRCP) public funding should be withdrawn for the diagnostic use of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), except in patients where MRCP is either contraindicated or cannot be performed, or has failed due to technical reasons or is likely to fail due to the nature of the underlying pathology.

Authors' methods: Systematic review

Project Status: Completed

URL for project: http://www.msac.gov.au/

Year Published: 2002

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: Australia

Organisation Name: Medical Services Advisory Committee

Contact Address: MSAC (MDP 107), GPO Box 9848, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia. Tel: +61 2 6289 6811; Fax: +61 2 6289 8799.

Contact Name: msac.secretariat@health.gov.au

Contact Email: msac.secretariat@health.gov.au

Copyright: Medical Services Advisory Committee (MSAC)