Anatomical Variations of Cystic Ducts in Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography: A Retrospective Study With 265 Patients

Background: Anatomical variations of cystic duct (CD) are frequently unrecognized. It is important to be aware of these variations prior to any surgical, percutaneous, or endoscopic intervention procedures. Objectives: The purpose of our study was to demonstrate the imaging features of cystic duct and its variants using magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) and document their prevalence in our population. Materials and Methods: This study included 265 patients who underwent magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography due to different indications and variations of cystic duct were documented. Results: Normal lateral insertion of cystic duct at middle third of common hepatic duct was seen in 29.43% of cases. Medial insertion was seen in 2.63% of cases, 2.26% were low medial insertions. Low insertion of cystic duct was noted in 1.51 % of cases. Parallel course of cystic duct was present in 0.38% of cases. High insertion was noted in 0.38% cases and no case of short cystic duct was noted. No case of cystic duct draining into right hepatic duct was seen. Conclusion: Cystic duct variations are common and MRCP is an optimal imaging modality for demonstration of cystic duct anatomy. KEY WORDS: Cystic Duct, Hepatic Duct, Variation, MRCP.