PANCREATIC IMAGING

Improvements in pancreatic imaging have had a considerable impact on c linical practice. Helical computed tomography scanning and endoscopic ultrasonography have emerged as sensitive and accurate for pancreatic imaging. The development of endoscopic ultrasonography-guided biopsy n ow allows the provision of both tissue diagnosis and staging informati on in a single procedure. Positron emission tomography has demonstrate d the potential to differentiate inflammatory from malignant lesions, an important and difficult clinical problem. Ultrasound probes are und er development for both intraductal and endovascular imaging. In the e valuation of neuroendocrine tumors, a prominent role for endoscopic ul trasonography has emerged and nuclear receptor scintigraphy has shown promise as a noninvasive imaging modality in selected patients. The ro le of magnetic resonance pancreatic imaging continues to be refined.