MRCP-CORE: Novel Technique of Respiratory-Gated 3D-TSE MRCP Improving the Visibility of Gallbladder with Concentrated Bile.

Motivation: Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) is essential for evaluating the biliary and pancreatic systems1. However, the gallbladder can be obscured by concentrated bile, making clinical assessment insufficient. Goal(s): We aimed to improve gallbladder visibility using respiratory-gated three-dimensional turbo spin echo (3D-TSE) MRCP. Approach: We developed a novel 3D-TSE MRCP sequence with a centric k-space trajectory, named MRCP-CORE (MRCP with Centric Ordered Encoding), and compared its image quality with conventional MRCP and breath-hold Gradient- and Spin-Echo (GRASE) MRCP. Results: MRCP-CORE improved gallbladder visibility compared to conventional MRCP and achieved image quality comparable to the GRASE MRCP for visual assessment. Impact: MRCP-CORE employs a centric k-space trajectory and significantly shortens the echo time (TE), enabling respiratory-gated 3D-TSE MRCP imaging without being affected by concentrated bile. This approach is expected to contribute to improved diagnostic accuracy for biliary diseases.