MRI in cystic pancreatic lesions, is it of value?

Abstract

IntroductionCystic pancreatic lesions are currently discovered at higher rate, hence adequate characterization of these lesions by the radiologist is important in guiding management. Aim of the workWas to identify the role of MRI in characterization of cystic pancreatic lesions. Patients and methodsThirty patients with suspected cystic lesions of the pancreas were examined by MRI using 1.5 T machines including conventional MRI sequences, dynamic contrast enhanced imaging, DWI and IP/OP sequence. ResultsThe study included 30 patients (12 males and 18 females) with their age ranging from 16 to 88 years (mean age 55 years), MRI analysis of the cyst contents and communication with ductal system were used to characterize different cyst types, among these patients we found serous cystadenoma in five patients, mucinous cystadenoma in seven patients, mucinous cystadenocarcinoma in one patient, branch type Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMN) in seven patients, Mixed IPMN in two patients. Cystic neuroendocrine tumors (CNET) in three patients. Solid cystic pancreatic neoplasm (SPN) in two patients. Pseudocyst in one patient and walled off necrosis (WON) in two patients. Pathological assessment of the lesions was done whenever indicated. ConclusionsMRI with its superior soft tissue resolution is of value in characterization of different cystic pancreatic lesions helping to reach the correct diagnosis.