MRCP vs ERCP

[Guest guest]

I have had two MRCP's 3.5 months apart, which show an equivocal 3 mm

filling defect in the common duct. However, when an ERCP was

performed it came out normal. What would cause this? I am quite

confused, not to mention depressed, as I thought that when I had the

ERCP I would finally have some answers. My GI thought possibly a

tumor. This time in the hospital was 11 days, which is my 7th

hospitalization since March 24. I have been diagnosed with

Pancreatitis. This after having been operated on for a Nissen

Fundoplication on May 18. I have had every test imaginable. 2 and 4

hr gastric emptying, numerous CT's, ultrasounds, sonograms,

liver/gallbladder functioning tests, xrays, Upper GI, endoscopy,

colonoscopy, 2 MRCP's, and the ERCP. When the ERCP came back normal

I was immediately discharged from the hospital by my surgeon stating

that there was nothing surgical that he could see for him to fix, so

he let me go. I was told to follow up with my local doc, but when I

got back home my local doc told me to follow up with my surgeon. I

placed a call to both of them yesterday due to post ERCP

pancreatitis (i believe) but have yet to hear back from either of

them yet. I am in a catch 22. With the exception of one period

yesterday the pain has been manageable, but boy that one period

brough me to my knees and to tears. So back to the original

question, how can the two tests contradict each other like that?

[Guest guest]

" canavral1 " <cocacolayucky@a...> wrote:

> I have had two MRCP's 3.5 months apart, which show an equivocal 3 mm

filling defect in the common duct. However, when an ERCP was performed it

came out normal.

Canavral 1,

Since you didn't leave your name, I don't know what else to call you. I have

heard of, seen actually, conflicting radiology or imaging reports. I've

personally had 10 CT-scans performed by one radiologist showing two

pseudocysts in my pancreas, then another performed one month later after

#10 by another radiologist in a different hospital, that showed only one

pseudocyst . The doctor who signed off on the 11th CT-scan refused to

acknowledge the presence of a second pseudocyst. Obviously, this created

mayhem with all earlier diagnosis, especially since I was working with a

doctor who had never treated me before. Mistakes are made, unfortunately.

Were both the MRCP's and ERCP performed at the same hospital? If so, how

do the doctors account for a 3 mm. filling defect in the common duct on the

MRCP's and it's total disapperance 3.5 months later on the ERCP? If they

were both performed at the same facility with doctors that are collegues of one

another and they can't give you an accountable explanation for this

unexpected miracle, then I don't know what else to tell you.

If they were not all performed at the same facility, apparently either the

MRCP's or the ERCP was done incorrectly, and it was my choice to make, I

would ask for a repeat procedure to disprove the validity of one test or the

other. I would ask that this repeat procedure be done by another surgeon.

The fact of the matter is, that despite the Nissan Fundoplication procedure,

you are still in pain and are now experiencing the often seen pancreatitis

attack caused by an ERCP procedure. I would hope that your doctor would

address the present unpleasant results of the procedure first, and then help

you to straighten out the rest by arranging for a repeat procedure, preferrably

performed by another surgeon who may look a little harder and not have an

already biased opinion.

If you don't get any help from your primary physician in this matter, your

options are limited. It's your decision to make, but IMO, I'd be looking for

another specialist for help, if this is possible with your insurance

representation. I'm very sorry that this has happened to you. Two conflicting

reports like this can be very confusing and stressful on the patient, and can

lead to months of misery if you can't get it straightened out and get a correct

diagnosis. Let us know what you decide.

BTW, after a 12th CT-scan was performed by yet another radiologist in

another hospital, showing TWO pseudocysts, the doctor who reported the

incorrect diagnosis on scan # 11 was forced to admit that he'd " overlooked "

the second pseudocyst, and had made a mistake. Certainly not much of a

punishment for something that could have had serious consequences. I only

brought it up to show you that mistakes CAN be made. Yet I found that if you

persist strongly enough, and refuse to accept what you know is wrong, the

truth will eventualy be found.

With love, hope and prayers,

Heidi

Heidi H. Griffeth

South Carolina

SC & SE Regional Rep.

PAI

Note: All advice or comments are based on personal experience or opinion,

and should not be substituted for consultation with a medical professional.

[Guest guest]

Thanks for your info. To answer your question.....the first MRCP was

done in March 2004 by the hospital which showed a possible stricture

at the common bile duct, the second MRCP showed the 3mm filling

defect in the common bile duct, and was done 3 weeks ago at an

outpatient facility, and the ERCP was done a week ago at a different

hospital where my surgeon is, of which they said was absolutely

fine. So now that the ERCP showed up fine, my doctors appear to be

done with me. So at this point I have decided to just not see anyone

and if I end up back in the hospital then I will search for another

doctor then. I have been hospitalized 7 times for more than 50 days

since March 24. I have two MRCP's saying there is a problem and one

ERCP saying everything is fine, and I have Lipase levels that

flucutate. I just feel alone, and I'm tired of fighting it, I'm

tired of being sick, tired of being in pain.

But on a lighter note, my case manager from my health insurance

company called me yesterday to see how I was feeling and to see if I

needed them to send somebody out to the house for home health care,

and to tell me that they approved 100% of this most recent

hospitalization.

My nickname is Boo, I live in Cape Coral, Florida