ABSTRACT
Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging has considerable potential in characterizing pancreatic masses. Certain features can be used by the radiologist to establish a definitive diagnosis for most pancreatic tumors including ductal adenocarcinoma, islet cell tumors, solid and papillary epithelial neoplasms, micro- and macrocystic adenoma, and metastases. Recognition of these tumors on imaging is important since it often changes the treatment approach and may obviate the need for surgery. Recent introduction of 3D gradient recalled echo (GRE) sequence such as volumetric interpolated breath hold examination (VIBE) has dramatically improved MR imaging by providing dynamic enhanced thin-slice images with fat saturation and high signal-to-noise ratio. In this article, special emphasis will be placed on the impact of 3D GRE sequence in the diagnosis of pancreatic neoplasms with pathologic correlation.
Subject(s)
Contrast Media , Imaging, Three-Dimensional , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Pancreatic Neoplasms/diagnosis , Humans , Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods , Pancreatic Neoplasms/classification , Pancreatic Neoplasms/pathology , Pancreatic Neoplasms/secondaryABSTRACT
Primary sclerosing cholangitis is a progressive cholestatic disease of unknown etiology leading to cirrhosis and liver failure. Several imaging modalities have been used to study this disease, including ultrasonography, computed tomography and hepatobiliary scintigraphy, but accurate diagnosis was found to be best made with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography or direct cholangiography. However, these 2 methods are invasive and may produce serious complications. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography is a noninvasive imaging technique that has become very useful for diagnosing primary sclerosing cholangitis. Contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging provides pertinent information of extraductal abnormalities in addition to biliary ductal changes.
Subject(s)
Cholangiopancreatography, Magnetic Resonance/methods , Cholangitis, Sclerosing/diagnosis , Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods , Adult , Bile Duct Neoplasms/diagnosis , Bile Ducts, Intrahepatic , Cholangiocarcinoma/diagnosis , Cholangitis, Sclerosing/surgery , Humans , Liver/pathology , Liver Transplantation , Lymphatic Diseases/pathology , Male , Middle AgedABSTRACT
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is playing an important role in the clinical evaluation of women presenting with urethral symptoms. Voiding cystourethrography, direct urethrography, and pelvic sonography provide limited information on abnormalities that are in continuity with the urethra. On the other hand, urethra and periurethral tissues can be noninvasively evaluated by high-resolution endocavitary MRI. Because of its multiplanar capability and high tissue contrast, endovaginal MRI is an extremely reliable diagnostic test in the evaluation of urethral abnormalities. In this article, the utility of endovaginal MRI in the detection and characterization of a wide spectrum of urethral pathologic conditions, such as congenital anomalies, diverticula, urethritis, and benign and malignant neoplasms, is discussed.
