MR imaging of the pancreas

Abstract

Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of the pancreas is useful as both a problem-solving tool and an initial imaging examination of choice. With newer imaging sequences such as diffusion-weighted imaging, MR offers improved ability to detect and characterize lesions and identify and stage tumors and inflammation. MR cholangiopancreatography can be used to visualize the pancreatic and biliary ductal system. In this article, the use of MR to evaluate the pancreas, including recent advances, is reviewed and the normal appearance of the pancreas on different imaging sequences, as well as inflammatory diseases, congenital abnormalities, and neoplasms of the pancreas, are discussed.

Keywords: Acute pancreatitis; Chronic pancreatitis; Cystic pancreatic masses; Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP); Magnetic resonance imaging; Pancreas; Pancreas magnetic resonance; Pancreatic cancer.