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Updated: Jun 13, 2026

High Resolution 3D Imaging of the Human Pancreas Neuro-insular Network
Published on: January 29, 2018
Advanced imaging of chronic pancreatitis
Nabil Elia Choueiri1, Numan Cem Balci, Samer Alkaade
1Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Saint Louis University Health Sciences Center, 3635 Vista Avenue at Grand Boulevard, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA.
Abstract:
Chronic pancreatitis is characterized by continuing inflammation, destruction, and irreversible morphological changes in the pancreatic parenchyma and ductal anatomy. These changes lead to chronic pain and/or loss of function. Although these definitions are simple, the clinical diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis remains difficult to make, especially for early disease. Routine imaging modalities such as transabdominal ultrasound and standard CT scans are insensitive for depicting early disease, and detect only advanced chronic pancreatitis. Advances in imaging modalities including CT, MRI with gadolinium contrast enhancement, MRI with magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRI/MRCP), MRI/MRCP with secretin-stimulation (S-MRCP), endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) allow earlier diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis. This article reviews the recognized findings, advantages, and disadvantages of the various imaging modalities in the management of chronic pancreatitis, specifically CT, MRI with or without MRCP and/or S-MRCP, ERCP, and EUS.
Related Concept Videos
Chronic Pancreatitis II: Collaborative Care
Assessment:
Chronic Pancreatitis I: Introduction
Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas, which occurs when the immune system becomes active and causes swelling, pain, and disruptions in organ function. Pancreatitis can manifest as either an acute or chronic condition.
Acute pancreatitis arises suddenly and lasts for a brief duration, while chronic pancreatitis is a long-term affliction...
Chronic Pancreatitis I: Introduction
Acute Pancreatitis II: Clinical Manifestations and Management
Chronic Pancreatitis II: Pathophysiology
Acute Pancreatitis I: Introduction

