Editorial
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World J Radiol. Aug 28, 2010; 2(8): 298-308
Published online Aug 28, 2010. doi: 10.4329/wjr.v2.i8.298
Magnetic resonance imaging for acute pancreatitis
Bo Xiao, Xiao-Ming Zhang
Bo Xiao, Xiao-Ming Zhang, Sichuan Key Laboratory of Medical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong 637000, Sichuan Province, China
Author contributions: Xiao B and Zhang XM designed the research and wrote the paper; Xiao B performed the research and analyzed the data.
Supported by Grant No. 206126, Key project of Science and Technology Research, and NCET-06-0820, Ministry of Education, China
Correspondence to: Xiao-Ming Zhang, MD, PhD, Professor, Head of Sichuan Key Laboratory of Medical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong 637000, Sichuan Province, China. cjr.zhxm@vip.163.com
Telephone: +86-817-2262218 Fax: +86-817-2222856
Received: May 31, 2010
Revised: July 29, 2010
Accepted: August 5, 2010
Published online: August 28, 2010
Abstract

Acute pancreatitis is characterized by acute chemical injury of the pancreatic parenchyma and peripancreatic tissue. The increased frequency of death in acute pancreatitis is directly correlated with the degree and progress of pancreatic necrosis. Moreover, the occurrence of some local complications in acute pancreatitis, such as pancreatic hemorrhage, peripancreatic abscess or large pseudocyst, and pseudoaneurysm, could influence the choice of treatment for these patients. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be used to help evaluate the presence and degree of pancreatic necrosis, and is crucial for identifying complications of acute pancreatitis and predicting prognosis. The purpose of this article is to describe MRI techniques for acute pancreatitis, to review the spectrum of pancreatic and peripancreatic patterns, as well as to survey various complications secondary to acute pancreatitis on MRI. The role of MRI in the initial evaluation and staging of acute pancreatitis is emphasized.

Keywords: Magnetic resonance imaging; Acute pancreatitis; Pancreatic necrosis; Pancreatic pseudocyst; Complications