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Published on: February 3, 2026
Magnetic resonance imaging in pancreatitis
Numan Cem Balci1, B Kirke Bieneman, Mehmet Bilgin
1Department of Radiology, Saint Louis University, St Louis, MO 63110, USA. ncbalci@gmail.com
Abstract:
Pancreatitis can occur in acute and chronic forms. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) plays an important role in the early diagnosis of both conditions and complications that may arise from acute or chronic inflammation of the gland. Standard MRI techniques including T1-weighted and T2-weighted fat-suppressed imaging sequences together with contrast-enhanced imaging can both aid in the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis and demonstrate complications as pseudocysts, hemorrhage, and necrosis. Combined use of MRI and MR cholangiopancreatography can show both parenchymal findings that are associated with chronic pancreatitis including pancreatic size and signal and arterial enhancements, all of which are diminished in chronic pancreatitis. The degree of main pancreatic duct dilatation and/or the number of side branch ectasia determines the diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis and its severity. In this paper, we report the spectrum of imaging findings of acute and chronic pancreatitis on MRI and MR cholangiopancreatography.
Insights
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) aids in diagnosing acute and chronic pancreatitis. MRI and MR cholangiopancreatography reveal pancreatic inflammation, complications like pseudocysts, and ductal changes, crucial for effective management.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Gastroenterology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Pancreatitis presents as acute or chronic inflammation of the pancreas.
- Early and accurate diagnosis is vital for managing pancreatitis and its complications.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a key modality for evaluating pancreatic diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detail the spectrum of imaging findings for acute and chronic pancreatitis using MRI.
- To highlight the role of MRI and MR cholangiopancreatography in diagnosing pancreatitis and its complications.
- To illustrate how MRI sequences and MR cholangiopancreatography assess pancreatic parenchyma and ducts.
Main Methods:
- Utilized standard MRI sequences: T1-weighted, T2-weighted fat-suppressed imaging.
- Employed contrast-enhanced MRI to visualize inflammation and complications.
- Integrated MR cholangiopancreatography to assess the pancreatic ductal system.
Main Results:
- Standard MRI effectively diagnoses acute pancreatitis and identifies complications such as pseudocysts, hemorrhage, and necrosis.
- Combined MRI and MR cholangiopancreatography reveal chronic pancreatitis indicators: reduced pancreatic size, signal, and arterial enhancement.
- Main pancreatic duct dilatation and side branch ectasia severity correlate with chronic pancreatitis diagnosis and grading.
Conclusions:
- MRI is essential for the early diagnosis of acute and chronic pancreatitis.
- MRI and MR cholangiopancreatography provide comprehensive evaluation of pancreatic parenchyma and ductal abnormalities.
- Imaging findings on MRI and MR cholangiopancreatography are critical for classifying pancreatitis severity and guiding treatment.
Related Concept Videos
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Acute Pancreatitis II: Clinical Manifestations and Management
Chronic Pancreatitis II: Collaborative Care
Assessment:
Acute Pancreatitis I: Introduction
Acute Pancreatitis I: Introduction
Acute pancreatitis is characterized by rapid inflammation of the pancreas, often caused by factors like gallstone blockage or excessive alcohol consumption. Chronic pancreatitis, on the other hand, is a slow, progressive inflammation that may result from long-term alcohol abuse, obstructions in the pancreatic duct, or genetic factors.
The causes of acute pancreatitis include:

