Diagnosis of acute pancreatitis by diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging

Abstract

Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging has emerged as a successful technique in the early diagnosis of acute pancreatitis. An 82-year-old male patient suspected of acute pancreatitis refused to undergo intravenous contrast-enhanced abdominal computed tomography due to a history of previous allergic reactions to contrast medium. He was imaged with diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging without the use of oral or intravenous contrast material. Diffuse hyperintensity in the pancreas with a relevant apparent diffusion coefficient map showing diffuse hypointensity was demonstrated. The findings were interpreted as restricted diffusion and were diagnostic for acute pancreatitis. Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging, an imaging modality that does not involve ionizing radiation and does not require the use of contrast material, can successfully demonstrate the manifestations of acute pancreatitis.

Written informed consent was obtained from patient who participated in this case.

Externally peer-reviewed.

Concept - İ.G.T.; Design - H.A., İ.G.T.; Supervision - B.H.; Funding - H.A., İ.G.T.; Materials - K.B.Y., B.H.; Data Collection and/or Processing - K.B.Y., H.A.; Analysis and/or Interpretation - İ.G.T., H.A.; Literature Review - B.H., İ.G.T.; Writer - İ.G.T., H.A.; Critical Review - B.H., K.B.Y.

No conflict of interest was declared by the authors.

The authors declared that this study has received no financial support.