HASTE MRCP and MRI findings in alveolar echinococcosis of the liver.

Alveolar echinococcosis is a rare mass-producing inflammatory process of the liver. Experience with MRI, and particularly magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP), demonstrates that features of this disease are limited. The HASTE (half-Fourier acquisition single-shot turbo spin echo) MRCP and MRI findings of alveolar echinococcosis of the liver are presented in this report. HASTE MRCP was used to define the biliary system and the biliary system-mass relationship. It was found that results were comparable with those of invasive techniques such as endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography.