MR pancreatography: A useful tool for evaluating pancreatic disorders

Magnetic resonance (MR) pancreatography is being used with increasing frequ ency as a noninvasive alternative to diagnostic endoscopic retrograde pancr eatography in the evaluation of the pancreatic duct and various pathologic conditions of the pancreas. This recently developed technique allows improv ed spatial resolution and permits imaging of the entire pancreaticobiliary tract during a single breath hold. MR pancreatography can help identify the course and drainage pattern of the pancreatic duct and is useful in diagno sing congenital anomalies such as pancreas divisum and annular pancreas wit hout the risk of inducing pancreatitis, In some instances, MR pancreatograp hy may demonstrate duct disruption and associated fluid collections resulti ng from trauma. In recurrent acute pancreatitis, MR pancreatography is usef ul in suggesting the cause of the disease; in chronic pancreatitis, it is u seful in depicting ductal anatomy, detecting strictures or intraductal calc uli prior to surgery, and detecting complications such as pseudocysts and f istulas, in addition, MR pancreatography performed in conjunction with abdo minal MR imaging is useful in identifying pancreatic malignancies as well a s in establishing resectability and preventing unnecessary preoperative ste nt placement.