MOJ
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Research Article Volume 13 Issue 3
Role of magnetic resonance cholangiography in the diagnosis of lithiasis in the common bile duct: experience at the Hospital de Clinicas “Dr. Manuel Quintela”
Ramirez L, Dos Santos N, Gonzáles V, Gomez L, Antonell E, Barros D, Gómez L, Gigirey V, Huart N
Received: September 10, 2025 | Published: September 26, 2025
Citation: Ramirez L, Dos Santos N, Gonzáles V, et al. Role of magnetic resonance cholangiography in the diagnosis of lithiasis in the common bile duct: experience at the Hospital de Clinicas “Dr. Manuel Quintela”. MOJ Surg. 2025;13(3):83-88. DOI: 10.15406/mojs.2025.13.00299
Abstract
Introduction: Lithiasis of the common bile duct (CBD) is a frequent cause of morbidity. Early and accurate diagnosis is essential to determine the appropriate treatment. Ultrasound is the first line in the diagnostic approach, but its sensitivity for detecting choledocholithiasis is limited. Computed tomography (CT) also has limitations in detecting small stones. In this context, magnetic resonance cholangiography (MRC) has emerged as a highly accurate, non-invasive tool for evaluating the bile duct. Objective: To determine the usefulness of MRC as a diagnostic method for lithiasis in the main bile duct in patients treated at the Hospital de Clinicas “Dr. Manuel Quintela” during 2023. Methodology: A descriptive, cross-sectional, observational study was conducted. All patients who underwent magnetic resonance cholangiography (MRC) between January 1 and December 31, 2023, at the Hospital de Clínicas “Dr. Manuel Quintela” were included. The information was obtained from the medical records of these patients. The data and results of the MRIs were collected and analyzed, as well as previous studies, with the aim of comparing them and determining why the role of magnetic resonance cholangiography is so relevant for diagnosis. Results: Of the total of 123 MRIs performed and considered in the study, only 29 (23.6%) indicated a diagnosis of gallstones in the main bile duct. Of the 97 (78.9%) ultrasounds performed, only 3 (3.1%) diagnosed the pathology, and of the 51 (41.5%) CT scans, 6 (11.8%) detected lithiasis of the common bile duct. Conclusions: MRCP is the imaging method par excellence for assessing the anatomy of the CBD and its level of obstruction. When there is diagnostic uncertainty regarding occupation in US and CT, due to their low sensitivity and specificity, as demonstrated in this study, MRCP is used. It reduces the need for unnecessary interventions and facilitates appropriate therapeutic planning.
Keywords: Common bile duct lithiasis, MRCP, cholangioresonance, gallstones, cholangitis, ERCP, ultrasound, bile ducts, diagnostic imaging, cholangiopancreatography
©2025 Ramirez, et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and build upon your work non-commercially.