الفهرس 
INTRODUCTIONOnly 14 pages are availabe for public view
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Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is a leading cause of death as most cases are unresectable at the time of diagnosis. Early detection promises a better prognosis.
Magnetic resonance imaging is a powerful imaging technique for evaluating pancreatic neoplasms. Improvements in MR pulse sequences, MRCP and MRA have resulted in a highly reliable means of detecting and staging pancreatic neoplasms and distinguishing malignant from benign pancreatic disease processes.
Emerging techniques such as DWI and MRS may help to improve the diagnostic capability of magnetic resonance imaging of the pancreas.
DWI can be used as an accurate method for detection of pancreas cancer. If positive, a complementary comprehensive study (MRI or MDCT) will probably be needed for staging. If negative, then pancreatic cancer is excluded (NPV of 98%) and the forthcoming investigations can be more focused on other entities presenting with similar symptoms. Both the examination and the reading time are much shorter for DWI compared with comprehensive MRI, which further speaks in favour of DWI.
In vivo H-MRS can be a useful method for making a differential diagnosis between chronic focal pancreatitis and pancreatic carcinoma.
The intrinsic SNR improvement from the higher static magnetic field strength, 3T holds considerable promise as a means for early detection of pancreatic tumors and evaluation of other types of pancreatic pathologic change.
Recent advances in magnet design and magnetic resonance (MR) system technology coupled with the development of fast gradient-echo pulse sequences have contributed to the increasing interest in interventional magnetic resonance imaging which now can be performed under near real-time MR guidance, taking advantage of the high tissue contrast, spatial resolution, vascular conspicuity and multiplanar capabilities of MRI to achieve safe and precise needle placement.