Diagnostic Imaging of Patients with Pancreato-Biliary Diseases: Comparison between Ultrasound, Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance

Diagnostic Imaging of Patients with Pancreato-Biliary Diseases: Comparison between Ultrasound, Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance

The aim of this study was to directly compare the results of MR cholangio-pancreatography (MRCP) with those of ultrasound (US) and multi-slice computed tomography (MSCT) in patients with pancreatico-biliary diseases. A total of 110 patients (62 M, 48 F), ranging in age from 22 to 89 years, was studied before surgery (n=99) or after cholecystectomy (n=11) for lithiasis. MRCP was performed in all patients while US was acquired in 55 patients and MSCT was performed in 76 patients. Histology (n=34), biopsy (n=38), endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography (ERCP) (n=28) and/or clinical-imaging follow-up (n=10) data were considered as standard of reference. Patient population was divided in three groups; Group 1 (n=55) consisted of a comparison between MRCP and US in biliary tract diseases; Group 2 (n=37) consisted of a comparison between MRCP and MSCT in biliary tract diseases; Group 3 (n=40) consisted of a comparison between MRCP and MSCT in pancreatic masses. A regional imaging qualitative evaluation of biliary and pancreatic duct system (gallbladder and cystic duct, intra- and extra-hepatic ducts, main pancreatic duct) was performed.