title: Diffusion-weighed MR imaging of pancreatic carcinoma.
abstract: 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.
authors: Department of Radiology, Osaka Medical College, 2-7 Daigaku-machi, Takatsuki City, Osaka 569-8686, Japan. rad053@poh.osaka-med.ac.jp
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Matsuki
authors: Y
authors: Y
authors: Inada
authors: G
authors: G
authors: Nakai
authors: F
authors: F
authors: Tatsugami
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Tanikake
authors: I
authors: I
authors: Narabayashi
authors: D
authors: D
authors: Masuda
authors: Y
authors: Y
authors: Arisaka
authors: K
authors: K
authors: Takaori
authors: N
authors: N
authors: Tanigawa
mesh_terms: 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