Three-dimensional MRCP technique using a multi-planar voxel sequence combined with a precontrast pulse: improved image quality and robustness to respiratory motion.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the feasibility of magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) using a multi-planar voxel (MPV) sequence combined with a pre-contrast pulse (MPV-MRCP) and to compare its image quality with conventional three-dimensional MRCP (C-MRCP) and breath-hold MRCP (BH-MRCP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, MRCP images from 50 patients who underwent evaluation for pancreaticobiliary disease were analyzed. All examinations were performed using a 1.5-T MRI scanner. Quantitative assessments included signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast ratio (CR). Qualitative image quality and duct visualization were independently evaluated by two radiologists using standardized scoring systems. Statistical analysis was performed using the Kruskal-Wallis test with post hoc comparisons and weighted κ statistics for interobserver agreement. RESULTS: MPV-MRCP was successfully acquired in all patients. It demonstrated significantly higher SNR compared with both C-MRCP and BH-MRCP (p < 0.01), while no significant differences in CR were observed. MPV-MRCP achieved significantly higher overall image quality scores and improved visualization of the proximal pancreatic duct (p < 0.01). Additionally, MPV-MRCP demonstrated less apparent respiratory motion-related image degradation on qualitative assessment. CONCLUSION: MPV-MRCP improves image quality and duct visualization compared with conventional MRCP techniques and may serve as a clinically valuable alternative, particularly in patients with limited breath-holding ability or irregular respiration.