MR imaging of pancreatic disorders.
Newer magnetic resonance imaging techniques offer greater precision in diagnosing various pancreatic disorders, primarily through faster image acquisitions. These include breath-hold rapid T1-weighted images, fast spin-echo sequences, and angiographic techniques. Altered signal intensity on fat-saturated T1-weighted images is one of the principal signs of pancreatic disease, and may affect the gland diffusely with chronic pancreatitis or focally with carcinoma. T2-weighted sequences primarily characterize peripancreatic fluid, ductal obstruction, carcinoma, or cystic or mucinous tumors. Heavily T2-weighted cholangiographic reconstructions are important to evaluate ductal obstructions. Dynamic gadolinium-enhanced images improve the accuracy for identifying and characterizing islet-cell tumors and pancreatic adenocarcinomas.
Outwater
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EK
Department of Radiology, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA 19107-5244, USA.
Siegelman
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ES
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000175:diagnosis; D007516:Adenoma, Islet Cell / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D018358:Neuroendocrine Tumors / Q000175:diagnosis; D010179:Pancreas / Q000473:pathology*; D016035:Pancreas Transplantation / Q000473:pathology; D010190:Pancreatic Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*; D010195:Pancreatitis / Q000175:diagnosis*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed