Usefulness of 3D balanced turbo-field-echo MR sequence evaluating the branching pattern of the intrahepatic bile ducts: comparison with drip infusion CT cholangiography

摘要

Purpose: For liver surgery, it is crucial to preoperatively examine the course of the right posterior bile duct. While MR cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) can only visualize the bile ducts, 3D balanced turbo-field-echo (BTFE) sequence clearly depicts the bile ducts and portal veins as well as drip infusion CT cholangiography (DIC-CT), without contrast media. We evaluated whether BTFE could substitute for DIC-CT.