Michael T. Lavelle

CYSTIC TUMORS OF THE PANCREAS: The Radiologist

In this article, the author reviews the effect of contemporary imaging techniques on the diagnosis of various pancreatic neoplasms. Histologic detail and the relationship to other means of diagnosis are included.

MR IMAGING OF THE PANCREAS

Current MR imaging technology offers the surgeon diagnostic information about pancreatic diseases. This article reviews the basics of MR imaging formation and the rationale for the different types of imaging sequences that comprise a comprehensive pancreaticobiliary examination. Clinical examples include evaluation of pancreatic neoplasms, acute and chronic pancreatitis, and congenital abnormalities.

Magnetic resonance evaluation of the urethra and lower genitourinary tract in symptomatic women

Objectives.To evaluate the role of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and the use of Gadolinium (Gd) in women with symptoms related to the lower urinary tract and urethra.Methods.In 33 patients, MR imaging was performed at 1.5 T. Unenhanced T1- and T2-weighted images were obtained in all patients; cont

Do patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis have a greater frequency of pancreatic abnormalities at MRI than patients with other liver diseases

Purpose It has been proposed that there is an increased frequency of pancreatic abnormalities in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). Our purpose is to compare the frequency of pancreatic abnormalities detected at MRI in patients with PSC and to compare these findings with those found in a matched cohort with other liver diseases. Method We identified 29 patients who had either a histologic or an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography diagnosis of PSC and 29 age- and gender-matched patients with liver disease without PSC who underwent MRI at 1.5 T. The protocol included breath-hold T1-weighted gradient echo, echo train, fast spin echo, T2-weighted images and dynamic gadolinium-enhanced MRI. Two blinded readers retrospectively evaluated the MR images for abnormalities of pancreatic size and morphology, T1 and T2 signal intensity, duct size and irregularities, arterial-phase contrast enhancement, focal pancreatic masses, cystic lesions, peripancreatic fluid/edema, ascites, and capsular-like rim surrounding the pancreas. Results The prevalence of pancreatic and peripancreatic abnormalities was 10 of 29 (35%) in PSC patients and 14 of 29 (48%) in control patients. MR findings included ascites (9 PSC, 12 controls), peripancreatic edema (7 PSC, 11 controls), atrophy (4 PSC, 3 control), increased T2 signal (3 PSC, 4 controls), cystic lesions (2 PSC, 3 controls), abnormal T1 signal (1 PSC, 2 controls), and dilated pancreatic ducts (3 PSC, 2 controls). Quantitative parameters were not significantly different between PSC patients and the control subjects with pancreatic findings. Conclusion There is no significant difference in pancreatic abnormalities detected on MRI between patients with PSC and those with other liver diseases.