Abnormal Anatomic Variation of Pancreaticobiliary Union in Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography Department of Radiology and Imaging in a Tertiary Care Centre: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

INTRODUCTION: The knowledge of the variations of the abnormal anatomy of pancreaticobiliary union is of great importance for understanding various pathologies of the biliary tract, gall bladder, and pancreas as well as to avoid surgical complications and morbidity which may arise from pancreaticobiliary maljunction. Moreover, it helps in the early diagnosis and preventive treatment of pancreaticobiliary disease. The objective of this study was to find out the prevalence of abnormal anatomic variations of the pancreaticobiliary union in magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography examinations. METHODS: This descriptive cross-sectional study was done in patients referred for Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography examinations for various clinical indications from 1 February 2021 to 30 May 2021. Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Review Committee [Reference number: 306 (6-11)E 2 077/078]. The variations in the pancreaticobiliary union, length of the common channel, and angle between the common bile duct and major pancreatic duct were obtained from the 1.5T magnetic resonance scanner in 90 patients. The three-dimensional magnetic resonance cholangiopancreaticography images were visually analyzed and classified into four categories. Convenience sampling method was used. Point estimate and 90% Confidence Interval were calculated. RESULTS: Out of 90 patients, 73 (81.11%) (74.34-87.88, 90% Confidence Interval) patients had abnormal pancreaticobiliary union with pancreaticobiliary type as the most common occurrence seen in 33 (36.67%) patients. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of abnormal anatomic variation of pancreaticobiliary union was found to be higher than other studies done in similar settings.