MRI evaluation of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: diagnosis, mimics, and staging

Abdom Radiol (NY). 2019 Mar;44(3):936-949. doi: 10.1007/s00261-018-1686-x.

Abstract

The radiologist's role in the evaluation of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma remains critical in the management of this deadly disease. Imaging plays a vital role in the diagnosis and staging of pancreatic cancer. Although CT is more commonly used for staging pancreatic cancer, MR is increasingly playing an important role in this regard. In our institution, all pancreatic malignancies undergo staging with MRI. In this pictoral essay, we illustrate the MR imaging features of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and its mimics, and we also discuss pearls and pitfalls in MR staging of pancreatic carcinoma.

Keywords: Adenocarcinoma; MRI; Pancreas cancer.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma / diagnostic imaging*
  • Adenocarcinoma / pathology*
  • Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal / diagnostic imaging*
  • Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal / pathology*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
  • Neoplasm Staging
  • Pancreatic Ducts / diagnostic imaging
  • Pancreatic Ducts / pathology
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / pathology*