Nonenhanced magnetic resonance imaging of mild acute pancreatitis

Background: Computed tomography (CT) is not always effective for demonstrat ing mild acute pancreatitis, and the intravenous administration of iodine c ontrast medium is harmful to the inflamed pancreas. The goal of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of nonenhanced magnetic resonance (MR) imagi ng for the depiction of mild acute pancreatitis. Methods: We performed TI-weighted imaging with a short echo time, T2-weight ed imaging, and MR cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) in 12 patients with mild acute pancreatitis. Nonenhanced CT and contrast-enhanced CT were always pe rformed before the MR studies. Results: T1- and T2-weighted MR images using a breath-hold or respiratory-t riggered technique produced clearer images of the inflamed pancreas than di d CT. Peripancreatic fat necrosis was shown by both methods. Although MRCP demonstrated no abnormalities of the pancreatic duct, it demonstrated stone s in the gallbladder and common bile duct. Conclusions: Nonenhanced MR imaging was superior to CT for depiction and co nfirmation of mild acute pancreatitis.