Multidetector CT angiography in the evaluation of pancreatic carcinoma: Preliminary observations

Multidetector CT (MDCT) provides unparalleled capabilities for combining na rrow scan collimation with rapid data acquisition protocols. When combined with CT angiographic techniques and 3D-volume rendering we are able to crea te unique displays for evaluating a range of clinical pathologies. Ln this pictorial review we present the potential advantages of using MDCT angiogra phy for the evaluation of pancreatic cancer and its role in the accurate st aging of these patients. The use of dual-phase CT scanning in both the arte rial phase and portal phase is addressed with the role of 3D CT angiography clearly defined. Numerous case studies are presented to show the advantage s of these techniques over simple axial CT imaging.