Aetiological Spectrum of Pancreaticobiliary Diseases in Adult Nigerians on Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography.

Background: Imaging is vital for assessing pancreaticobiliary diseases.

Aim: The aim of the study was to investigate the spectrum and pattern of pancreaticobiliary diseases in adult Nigerians using magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP).

Methods: This was a retrospective, descriptive cross-sectional study. The electronic radiological records of 110 adult Nigerians who had undergone MRCP were reviewed. The MRCP images were evaluated for bile duct dilatation, intraluminal filling defects, strictures, calculi, and other abnormalities.

Results: There were 45 males (40.9%) and 65 females (59.1%) aged 18-83 years, with a mean age of 51.93 ± 15.22 years. Jaundice (59.1%) and right hypochondrial pain (31.8%) were the most common presenting complaints. Gallstones (32.7%), common bile duct strictures (15.5%), choledocholithiasis (11.8%), pancreatic head carcinoma (10.9%), and gallbladder carcinoma (2.7%) were the most frequent abnormalities. There was biliary obstruction in 56.4% of participants, mostly at the distal and proximal common bile duct. Other findings include hepatomegaly (23.6%), hepatic cysts (6.4%), hepatic steatosis (0.9%), duodenal wall thickening (1.8%), and ascites (5.5%). MRCP was normal in 25 (22.7%) participants.

Conclusion: Gallstones were the predominant pathology of the various pancreaticobiliary diseases, while Pancreatic head and gallbladder carcinoma were the most common malignant diseases.