ANALYSIS OF ANATOMICAL VARIATIONS OF THE CYSTIC DUCT IN MAGNETIC RESONANCE CHOLANGIOPANCREATOGRAPHY AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS
The cystic duct is a crucial structure that allows bile to flow from the gallbladder to the Common Bile Duct (CBD). Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) can accurately depict the cystic duct anatomy and its variants which can help surgeons and interventional radiologists tailor their approach to each patient’s unique anatomy and reduce the risk of inadvertent bile duct injury. The aim of this study was to evaluate variations of cystic ducts in patients undergoing MRCP. To demonstrate the imaging features of cystic duct (CD) and its variants using magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) and document their prevalence in our population. Materials and methods: This study included 126 patients who underwent MRCP due to different indications and variations of cystic duct were documented. This study was conducted in the Department of Radio diagnosis of Meenakshi Medical College hospital & Research Institute and Sri Lakshmi Narayana Institute of Medical Sciences, Normal lateral insertion of CD at middle third of common hepatic duct was seen in 22.22% of cases. Medial insertion was seen in 17.48 % of cases, of which 3.19 % were low medial insertions. Low insertion of CD was noted in 15.09 % of cases. Parallel course of CD was present in 4.78 % of cases. High insertion was noted in 3.19 % and short CD in 2.39% of cases. No cases of cystic duct draining into right hepatic duct and right posterior sectoral hepatic duct draining into cystic duct were found. Typical lateral insertion was found in patients and common other variations were also noted in our study. Variations in the cystic duct are not uncommon. This study reinforces the importance of considering anatomical variations of the cystic duct whenever performing surgical, endoscopic and percutaneous procedures. Cystic duct variations are common and MRCP is an optimal imaging modality for demonstration of cystic duct anatomy. This study reinforces the importance of considering anatomical variations of the cystic duct whenever performing surgical, endoscopic and percutaneous procedures