Diffusion-weighed MR imaging of pancreatic carcinoma.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to demonstrate the feasibility of body diffusion-weighted (DW) MR imaging in the evaluation of a pancreatic carcinoma.


METHODS
In nine normal volunteers and in eight patients with pancreatic carcinoma, DW images were obtained on the axial plane scanning with a multisection spin-echo-type single-shot echo planar sequence with a body coil. Moreover, we measured the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value in a circular region of interest (ROI) within the normal pancreas, pancreatic carcinoma, and tumor-associated chronic pancreatitis.


RESULTS
On the DW images, all eight carcinomas were clearly shown as high signal intensity relative to the surrounding tissue. The ADC value (x10(-3) mm(2)/s) in the carcinoma was 1.44 +/- 0.20, which was significantly lower compared to that of normal pancreas (1.90 +/- 0.06) and tumor-associated chronic pancreatitis (2.31 +/- 0.18).


CONCLUSIONS
Diffusion-weighted (DW) images can be helpful in detecting the pancreatic carcinoma and accessing the extent of the tumor.
Matsuki
M
M
Department of Radiology, Osaka Medical College, 2-7 Daigaku-machi, Takatsuki City, Osaka 569-8686, Japan. rad053@poh.osaka-med.ac.jp
Inada
Y
Y
Nakai
G
G
Tatsugami
F
F
Tanikake
M
M
Narabayashi
I
I
Masuda
D
D
Arisaka
Y
Y
Takaori
K
K
Tanigawa
N
N
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D000368:Aged; D038524:Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010190:Pancreatic Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology