Pilot feasibility study to determine the utility of direct access and quantitative magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) in the assessment of suspected acute biliary or ductal gallstone presentations.

Background Patients with suspected acute gallstone disease typically undergo abdominal ultrasound. MRCP is often used for patients with abnormal LFTs, potentially making ultrasound unnecessary for this group. Despite high inter-reader variability in MRCP interpretation, new AI technologies may automate and standardize detection and measurement. Method Patients with suspected acute gallstone disease and abnormal liver function tests were randomized into two diagnostic pathways, direct MRCP and standard care. Admission data, healthcare resource use, and clinical outcomes were recorded. National Health Service national 20/21 tariffs were used to calculate and compare healthcare costs. MRCP scans were subsequently analysed using MRCP + software (Perspectum Ltd). Results 27 participants were enrolled over 12 months, 15 to direct MRCP and 11 to standard care. One patient was excluded from analysis. Mean patient time to diagnostic report and mean per patient associated direct medical cost and mean cost to diagnosis for the direct MRCP and standard of care group was 2.53 days, £449.54, and £647 respectively for the direct MRCP group and 4.18 days costing £742.06 and £896 for standard care. MRCP + analysis of 11 scans showed significant differences between the groups in terms of gallbladder volume (80.2mm ³ gallstone present versus 30.1mm ³ without, p = 0.018 and cystic duct median width (4.6mm gallstone present versus 2.7mm without, p = 0.042). Conclusions Direct MRCP may be a feasible and potentially cost-effective diagnostic strategy for patients with suspected acute gallstone disease and deranged LFTs. Automated measurement of MRCP parameters shows promise in detecting obstruction. Larger trials are warranted to assess this potential. Registration details This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov ( NCT03709030 ).