Atypical Pattern of the Intrahepatic Biliary Duct on Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography in a Tertiary Care Centre: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

INTRODUCTION: The liver possesses different patterns of intrahepatic duct confluences. Even though the typical pattern of the intrahepatic biliary duct is common, atypical variations are also frequently witnessed. The knowledge of the atypical intrahepatic biliary confluences is inevitable during hepato-biliary surgery to reduce post-operative complications. The aim of the study was to find out the prevalence of the atypical pattern of intrahepatic biliary duct pattern on magnetic resonanace cholangiopancreatography in a tertiary care centre. METHODS: This descriptive cross-sectional study was done in a tertiary care centre from 5 December 2021 to 25 June 2022. Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Review Committee [Reference number: KUSMS/IRC (248/2021)]. The branching patterns of the atypical intrahepatic biliary pattern were observed in Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography images and were classified. Convenience sampling was used. Point estimate and 95% Confidence Interval were calculated. RESULTS: Among 199 magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography images, the atypical intrahepatic biliary duct was observed in 48 (24.12%) (18.18-30.06, 95% Confidence Interval) of the images. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of the atypical intrahepatic biliary duct pattern is lower as compared to other studies done in similar settings.