PubMed · 9592660
The source did not provide an abstract. Follow the original record for more information.
Explore connections, maps & timelines
Y Nimura, J Kamiya. 1998. Cholangioscopy.. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-2007-1001245
Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.
KEEP EXPLORING
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
BACKGROUND: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a promising method for examination of the gastrointestinal tract. In this article we present the present status and potential of MRI. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The review is based on personal experience and selected published, international papers. RESULTS: Magnetic resonance cholangio-pancreatography (MRCP) and MRI of the liver are well documented examinations which are widely performed. These examinations partly replace existing modalities such as CT and ERCP and represent additional possibilities for examining this anatomic area. MRI is not as yet accepted as the standard examination of the pancreas, but it is regarded as comparable to CT. The adrenals may be examined even more accurately with MRI than with CT. MRI examinations of the oesophagus and gastric ventricle seem promising, but it should be said that they are in an early and not well documented phase. MRI of the small and large bowels is not common. With the exception of preoperative staging of rectal cancers, it is still experimental. MR angiography, functional MRI studies and perfusion studies are not yet in common abdominal diseases. We may, however, believe that they will become important diagnostic tools. INTERPRETATION: MRI is rapidly increasing its share of gastrointestinal imaging examinations. This is mainly due to the increased speed of newer machines. The diagnostic quality has improved, and will improve more. It is thus likely that MRI will, in a large amount of abdominal imaging, replace CT, and to some extent other diagnostic modalities. It is, however, not possible to replace CT for emergencies, and we will probably look forward to more and better imaging with more diagnostic modalities in the future.
Ursodeoxycholic acid is a hydrophilic bile acid that under normal circumstances represents a small fraction of the bile acid pool in humans. It is effective in dissolving cholesterol gallstones in appropriately selected patients. Ursodeoxycholic acid improves serum alkaline phosphatase and aminotransferase levels in primary biliary cirrhosis, but its effects on rates of liver transplantation and death are less certain. Ursodeoxycholic acid has had promising [corrected] effects in several other cholestatic liver diseases, such as cystic fibrosis and intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, but data are too preliminary to make recommendations about its routine use in these conditions. Its effects are mediated by amelioration of damage to cell membranes caused by retained toxic bile acids. Ursodeoxycholic acid improves biliary secretion of bile acids, may improve bile flow, and it has immunomodulatory properties that may reduce immune-mediated liver damage. However, its use in the treatment of cholestatic liver disease remains uncertain pending additional randomized trials.