Multidetector CT and Three-Dimensional Imaging of the Pancreas: State of the Art

Abstract

In the year 2001, state-of-the-art CT scanning of the pancreas includes dual-phase acquisition during the arterial and venous phase of enhancement, water as oral contrast medium, thin collimation (1 mm), a good intravenous contrast bolus, and the addition of three-dimensional imaging to better visualize the primary tumor and to improve staging. As these scanners have only been in clinical use for a little more than a year, good prospective studies have not yet been performed. These will likely demonstrate the improved detection and staging of tumors as a result of the increased resolution, thinner collimation, and better three-dimensional imaging available today.