Role of magnetic resonance imaging in the detection and characterization of solid pancreatic nodules: An update

Abstract

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is the most common malignant tumor of the pancreas. The remaining pancreatic tumors are a diverse group of pancreatic neoplasms that comprises cystic pancreatic neoplasms, endocrine tumors and other uncommon pancreatic tumors. Due to the excellent soft tissue contrast resolution, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is frequently able to readily separate cystic from noncystic tumors. Cystic tumors are often easy to diagnose with MRI; however, noncystic non-adenocarcinoma tumors may show a wide spectrum of imaging features, which can potentially mimic ductal adenocarcinoma. MRI is a reliable technique for the characterization of pancreatic lesions. The implementation of novel motion-resistant pulse sequences and respiratory gating techniques, as well as the recognized benefits of MR cholangiopancreatography, make MRI a very accurate examination for the evaluation of pancreatic masses. MRI has the distinctive ability of non-invasive assessment of the pancreatic ducts, pancreatic parenchyma, neighbouring soft tissues, and vascular network in one examination. MRI can identify different characteristics of various solid pancreatic lesions, potentially allowing the differentiation of adenocarcinoma from other benign and malignant entities. In this review we describe the MRI protocols and MRI characteristics of various solid pancreatic lesions. Recognition of these characteristics may establish the right diagnosis or at least narrow the differential diagnosis, thus avoiding unnecessary tests or procedures and permitting better management.

Solid Pseudopapillary Tumor of the Pancreas: A Single-center Experience and Review of the Literature

“…The capsule is usually identified as a thin hypo-intense rim. MRI may also provide information about the resectability of the tumor, something of great importance for proper patient management (34).…”

Comparison of clinical effects of ultrasonic examination, CT examination, and MR examination in diagnosis of pancreatic and ampullary cancer

“…If the inner diameter of the common bile duct ranges between 7 and 10 mm, the patient individual experiences slight cholangiectasis. However, if the inner diameter of common bile duct is higher than 10 mm, then a significant cholangiectasis is observed [9]. Lastly, if the inner diameter of common bile duct is smaller than 3 mm, then no cholangiectasis is exhibited.…”

Solid Pseudopapillary Tumor of the Pancreas in a Man: A Case Report

“…При МСКТ в ней обнаруживаются солидные и кистозные компоненты в разных пропорциях. Тем не менее при СППО менее 30 мм в диаметре кистозный компонент, как правило, отсутствует, и данные новообразования визуализируются как солидные опухоли с четким, хорошо отграниченным краем [11]. Интраопухолевые кровоизлияния лучше выявляются при МРТ, чем при МСКТ [12].…”