The diagnosis of MR cholangiopancreatography on the low junction of cystic duct

Objective To assess clinical significance and value of magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) as a noninvasive method to evaluate the low junction of the cystic duct.Methods 304 patients undergoing MRCP from April 2004 to June 2009 were evaluated retrospectively.The low junction of cystic duct was defined when the cystic junction was detected in the lower third of the common bile duct. The location of insertion,the length and diameter of cystic duct and the associated lesions were also evaluated. Results Low junction of the cystic duct was clearly assessed in11 patients by MRCP. The cystic duct inserted to the left side of the common bile duct in 8 patients,to the posterior side in 2 cases and to the right side in 1 patient. The length of cystic duct exceeded 40mm except one 10 years old patient with 38.5mm. 7 cases were associated with cholecystitis and gallstone. Conclusions MRCP is a useful,rapid,and non-invasive method for demonstrating the low junction of the cystic duct. Diagnosis of this anatomic variation prior to surgery may be helpful for procedures choice and preventing iatrogenic injury to bile ducts.