Advances of MRCP in diagnosis of pancreatic duct dilatation

Pancreatic duct dilatation is a common sign of pancreaticobiliary diseases and may be seen in pancreatic carcinoma, carcinoma of duodenal papilla, distal common bile duct carcinoma, ampullary carcinoma, intraductal papillary mucinous tumor, pancreatitis, pancreatic pseudocyst, sphincter of oddi dysfunction, pancreatic trauma, pancreas divisum, annular pancreas, pancreatic tuberculosis, abdominal aorta aneurysm, etc. It is possible to make a correct diagnosis and differential diagnosis by analyzing features of shape, extent, and location of dilated pancreatic duct. This article reviews the advances of MRCP in etiological diagnosis of dilatation of the pancreatic duct. (authors)