The Role of MRI in Diagnosis of Pancreatic Disorders

Abstract

Many imaging methods have been introduced that allow direct visualizat ion of the pancreas. The di agnosis of pancreatic disease by these methods is based on specific changes in pancreatic parenchyma, ducts and vessels in addition to changes affecting neighboring organs and tissues (Balthazar, 1990).

The current methods of non-invasive radiographic imaging of the pancreas include u l trasonography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging (Balthazar, 1990).

Unsurpassed soft tissue contrast, multiplanar capabilities and the ability to depict vascu l ar structures without the use of contrast material have propelled MRJ & MRA to the frontl ine of diagnostic imaging in the evaluation of the pancreas (Mitchell, 1995).

Several techniques have recently been developed for the non-invasive demonstration of the biliary tree and pancreatic duct by MRJ. Compared with ERCP the technique has the obvious advantage of being non-invasive. The pancreatic duct anatomy can be shown i n patients with tight strictures or total obstruction of the main duct where ERCP is unsuccessful or shows only the distal of the duct system. It is a lso suitable for