Diffusion-weighed MR imaging of pancreatic carcinoma

• Published in: Abdominal imaging 2007-08, Vol.32 (4), p.481-483
• Main Authors: MATSUKI, M, INADA, Y, NAKAI, G, TATSUGAMI, F, TANIKAKE, M, NARABAYASHI, I, MASUDA, D, ARISAKA, Y, TAKAORI, K, TANIGAWA, N
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adenocarcinoma - diagnosis; Adenocarcinoma - pathology; Aged; Biological and medical sciences; Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Feasibility Studies; Female; Gastroenterology. Liver. Pancreas. Abdomen; Humans; Liver. Biliary tract. Portal circulation. Exocrine pancreas; Male; Medical sciences; Middle Aged; Pancreatic Neoplasms - diagnosis; Pancreatic Neoplasms - pathology; Tumors
• ISSN: 0942-8925; 2366-004X; 1432-0509; 2366-0058
• DOI: 10.1007/s00261-007-9192-6

The aim of this study was to demonstrate the feasibility of body diffusion-weighted (DW) MR imaging in the evaluation of a pancreatic carcinoma. In nine normal volunteers and in eight patients with pancreatic carcinoma, DW images were obtained on the axial plane scanning with a multisection spin-echo-type single-shot echo planar sequence with a body coil. Moreover, we measured the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value in a circular region of interest (ROI) within the normal pancreas, pancreatic carcinoma, and tumor-associated chronic pancreatitis. On the DW images, all eight carcinomas were clearly shown as high signal intensity relative to the surrounding tissue. The ADC value (x10(-3) mm(2)/s) in the carcinoma was 1.44 +/- 0.20, which was significantly lower compared to that of normal pancreas (1.90 +/- 0.06) and tumor-associated chronic pancreatitis (2.31 +/- 0.18). Diffusion-weighted (DW) images can be helpful in detecting the pancreatic carcinoma and accessing the extent of the tumor.