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Pancreatic changes in primary sclerosing cholangitis: evaluation with MR imaging
K Ito1, D G Mitchell, E K Outwater
1Department of Radiology, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA.
AJR. American Journal of Roentgenology
|December 10, 1999
Summary
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) reveals common pancreatic abnormalities in primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) patients. Findings include altered signal intensity and enlargement, aiding in diagnosing pancreatic disease associated with PSC.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Gastroenterology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a chronic cholestatic liver disease.
- Pancreatic involvement is a known complication of PSC, but its imaging characteristics require further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency and spectrum of MR imaging findings associated with pancreatic abnormalities in patients diagnosed with primary sclerosing cholangitis.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of MR images from 24 patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis.
- Assessment for pancreatic signal intensity changes, size/morphology alterations, ductal abnormalities, focal lesions, pseudocysts, peripancreatic fluid, and contrast enhancement patterns.
Main Results:
- Eleven patients (46%) exhibited pancreatic abnormalities on MR imaging.
- Most common findings included increased T2-weighted signal (73%), decreased T1-weighted signal (55%), and reduced arterial-phase enhancement (50%).
- Pancreatic enlargement, ductal narrowing, and peripancreatic fluid were observed in 27% of affected patients.
Conclusions:
- MR imaging demonstrates characteristic findings in the pancreas of patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis.
- Key indicators include increased T2 signal, decreased T1 signal, pancreatic enlargement, and diminished contrast enhancement, suggesting associated pancreatic disease.