[Functional MR-pancreatography with secretin. A comparison of imaging quality and diagnostic value].
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the present study was to assess imaging improvement and diagnostic value of secretin stimulated MR-pancreatography (MRP) compared to conventional MRP.


METHODS
50 patients were studied with a 1.0 T system using a single-shot-TSE sequence (RARE). Imaging quality and diameter of the different parts of the pancreatic tract and diagnoses were monitored before and after secretin.


RESULTS
The visualization of the normal main pancreatic duct (MPD) was improved significantly in head, body and tail. Side branches were not depicted at all. Even in chronic pancreatitis a significant improvement of imaging quality could be observed, but only in patients without duct dilation before secretin. In advanced disease with duct dilation, secretin stimulation provided no further diagnostic improvement.


CONCLUSIONS
In conclusion, secretin increases the diagnostic value of MRP especially in patients with normal or non-dilated native MPD and may help to avoid unnecessary invasive procedures such as ERCP.
Helmberger
H
H
Technische Universität München, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Institut für Röntgendiagnostik. helmberg@roe.med.tu-muenchen.de
Hellerhoff
K
K
Rüll
T
T
Brandt
C
C
Gerhardt
P
P
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002760:Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003287:Contrast Media; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D005765:Gastrointestinal Agents; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010182:Pancreatic Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D010195:Pancreatitis / Q000175:diagnosis; D012633:Secretin
D003287:Contrast Media; D005765:Gastrointestinal Agents; D012633:Secretin