Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Observational Ages 18 and up

Diffusion-weighted MRI with MRCP to detect tumor-related biliary blockages

Official title: The Role of Non-invasive Diffusion-weighted Imaging With MRCP in the Diagnosis of Neoplastic Biliary Obstruction

Run by The General Authority for Teaching Hospitals and Institutes · NCT07108725 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study will try diffusion-weighted MRI with MRCP to see if it can tell tumor-related biliary blockages from benign causes in adults with suspected biliary obstruction.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment100 (estimated)
SponsorThe General Authority for Teaching Hospitals and Institutes
Research network
Locations1 site (Cairo)
StatusRecruiting
StartedMay 1, 2025
Main results expectedDecember 1, 2025
Study endsDecember 1, 2025
Registry record updatedAugust 7, 2025
Trial IDNCT07108725 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Adults (≥18) with suspected biliary obstruction who are scheduled for MRCP and planned to undergo ERCP or biopsy and who have had prior ultrasound or CT.

Probably not a fit

Patients with MRI contraindications, prior major biliary surgery or stent placement, or who are pregnant or breastfeeding are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This observational study uses diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) combined with MRCP as a non-invasive approach to differentiate malignant from benign biliary obstructions. Adults with clinically suspected biliary obstruction who are scheduled for MRCP and subsequent ERCP or biopsy will undergo DW-MRI and review of prior ultrasound or CT. Diagnostic performance of DW-MRI will be compared to the gold standards of ERCP findings and histopathology, with follow-up verification when available. Results will be analyzed to report sensitivity, specificity, and overall accuracy for detecting neoplastic biliary obstruction.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this could allow faster, non-invasive diagnosis and reduce the need for some invasive ERCP procedures or biopsies.

How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising but not definitive results for DW-MRI in distinguishing malignant from benign biliary strictures, so additional confirmation against ERCP and histology is warranted.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Adult patients (≥18 years) with clinically suspected biliary obstruction (e.g., jaundice, elevated liver enzymes, cholestasis).
* Patients who are scheduled for magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) and have undergone conventional imaging \[ultrasound or computed tomography (CT)\].
* Patients who will undergo further invasive procedures, e.g., endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), biopsy.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients with contraindications to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (e.g., pacemakers, metal implants).
* Patients who have previously undergone major biliary surgery or stent placement.
* Pregnant or lactating women.

Where it's running

  • General Authority for Teaching Hospitals and Institutes
    Cairo, Egypt
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.