A new approach for diagnosis of hepatolithiasis: magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography: potential usefulness of dehydrocholic acid (DHCA) administration in the evaluation of hepatolithiasis

Hepatogastroenterology. 2008 Sep-Oct;55(86-87):1801-5.

Abstract

Background/aims: The aim of this study was to investigate whether exogenous dehydrocholic acid (DHCA) was useful to enhance the delineation of hepatolithiasis.

Methodology: Our study population comprised 9 patients. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) was acquired before and after the administration of DHCA. Two different MRCP snap-shot techniques were applied: thick-slab two-dimensional (2D) (coronal) single shot turbo spin echo T2-weighted sequences and multisection thin-slab, 2D (coronal) single shot turbo spin echo T2-weighted sequences with three-dimensional (3D) maximum intensity projection (MIP) post processing.

Results: DHCA provided a better visualization of hepatolithiasis in 8 of 9 cases (88.9%).

Conclusions: It was suggested that administration of DHCA could enhance the delineation of the hepatolithiasis on MRCP images.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Cholagogues and Choleretics*
  • Cholangiopancreatography, Magnetic Resonance / methods*
  • Dehydrocholic Acid*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lithiasis / diagnosis*
  • Liver Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged

Substances

  • Cholagogues and Choleretics
  • Dehydrocholic Acid