MRCP (magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography) is a specialized MRI technique that visualizes the bile ducts and pancreatic ducts in high detail. It is completely non-invasive — no endoscope, no sedation, and no contrast injection is required to see the ducts.
Also called: MRCP · MR cholangiopancreatography
What does MRCP show?
MRCP images the biliary system — the bile ducts, gallbladder region, and surrounding anatomy — along with the pancreatic ductal structures.
What conditions can MRCP detect?
The exam is used to identify problems in the ducts and to guide what happens next.
- Gallstones and bile duct stones
- Bile duct obstruction and strictures
- Pancreatic tumors
- Pancreatitis
- Unexplained abdominal pain and pre-surgical planning
How does MRCP compare to ERCP?
ERCP is an endoscopic procedure that enters the body and carries the risks of sedation and instrumentation. MRCP answers many of the same diagnostic questions completely non-invasively, with no endoscopy and no recovery time — so ERCP can be reserved for cases where treatment is actually needed.
How do I prepare?
Do not eat or drink for 6 hours before your MRCP — this special abdominal exam needs an empty stomach for clear images.
Where can I get this exam?
MR Cholangiopancreatography is available at all nine of our west-central Florida centers. One call reaches every location — we will schedule you wherever the soonest opening is, usually the same week.
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Medically reviewed by the board-certified radiologists of MRI Associates · Updated 2026-08-25