Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography findings of pancreatic diseases: quantitative analysis

Objective: To study the MR cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) characteristics of different pancreatic diseases, and to identify the diagnostic value of MRCP for pancreatic diseases. Methods: One hundred and eleven patients with suspected pancreatic diseases underwent MRCP examination. The MRCP sequences included thick-slice turbo spin echo (TSE) and thin-slice half-Fourier acquisition single shot turbo spin echo (HASTE) sequences. The pancreatic diseases included pancreatic carcinoma (n=46), chronic pancreatitis (n=39), peri-ampullar carcinoma (n=23), and choledocholith (n=3). Results: (1) The abnormal manifestation of pancreatic duct was observed in 37 cases of pancreatic carcinoma, 24 cases of chronic pancreatitis, and 12 cases of peri-ampullar carcinoma. Dilated pancreatic duct with smooth and regular caliber was observed in 33 cases of pancreatic carcinoma, 0 case of chronic pancreatitis, and 12 cases of peri-ampullar carcinoma, and statistical analysis showed significant difference (χ2=57.911, P<0.01). Irregularly dilated pancreatic duct running through the lesion was observed in 2 cases of pancreatic carcinoma, 23 cases of chronic pancreatitis, and 0 cases of peri-ampullar carcinoma (χ2=60.343, P<0.01). (2) Dilated common biliary duct was observed in 29 cases of pancreatic carcinoma, 10 cases of chronic pancreatitis, and 23 cases of peri-ampullar carcinoma. Dilated common biliary duct with sudden rupture was observed in 29 cases of pancreatic carcinoma, 1 case of chronic pancreatitis, and 23 cases of peri-ampullar carcinoma (χ2=61.217, P<0.01). (3) Double duct sign was observed in 29 cases of pancreatic carcinoma, 1 case of chronic pancreatitis, and 12 cases of peri-ampullai carcinoma (χ2=34.654, P<0.01). (4) Pseudocyst was observed in 24 cases of chronic pancreatitis, 0 case of pancreatic carcinoma and peri-ampullar carcinoma, (χ2=54.593, P<0.01). Conclusion: Different MRI characteristics were observed in various pancreatic diseases respectively. MRCP can show the subtle differences among the pancreatic diseases, and is very helpful in the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of pancreatic diseases