Evaluation of malignant biliary obstruction: efficacy of fast multiplanar spoiled gradient-recalled MR imaging vs spin-echo MR imaging, CT, and cholangiography.

Abstract

Contrast-enhanced FMPSPGR MR imaging is sensitive for the detection of tumors causing biliary obstruction. For proximal obstruction, it may be particularly effective for detecting and defining tumor extent of hilar cholangiocarcinomas because of their enhancement with gadopentetate dimeglumine. For cases of distal obstruction, this technique showed improved tumor detection and conspicuity compared with T1- and fast spin-echo T2-weighted images, but showed no advantage over CT.