MR-IMAGING TECHNIQUES FOR EVALUATION OF THE PANCREAS

New techniques have transformed magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of the pancreas from an imaging examination that had been inferior to comput ed tomography (CT) in diagnostic capability, to one that today may wel l be superior for many applications. These technologic advances includ e chemical-shift imaging, fast spin-echo T2-weighted imaging and its m odifications, such as MR cholangiopancreatography, and dynamic gadolin ium-enhanced imaging. Taken together, these techniques can detect dise ases that may be difficult to appreciate on CT, such as small pancreat ic adenocarcinomas, islet cell tumors, and ductal abnormalities and ca lculi. Newer intravenous contrast agents such as Mangafodipir, as well as oral contrast agents, have not been widely used but show promise f or future improved pancreatic MR imaging.