Gallbladder Carcinoma: Findings at MR Imaging With MR Cholangiopancreatography

Abstract

MRI and MRCP can provide information relevant to preoperative staging of gallbladder carcinoma.

Preoperative Diagnosis of Lymph Node Metastasis in Biliary and Pancreatic Carcinomas: Evaluation of the Combination of Multi-detector CT and Serum CA19-9 Level

“…In our series, MRI and PET-CT were not always performed to gain more information of tumor spread. The diagnosis of lymph node involvement by these imaging modalities was not superior to that of CT in this study as well as previous reports [6][7][8]20], although precise analyses of the diagnostic power of CT and other modalities were not performed.…”

“…PET and high-resolution MRI have been considered additional modalities to improve diagnostic accuracy [6][7][8]20], although the PPV was similar to that of CT. Schwartz et al [7] reported that the accuracy was similar for CT and MRI. Furukawa et al [8] indicated the limitations of resolution of PET-CT imaging for lymph node metastasis.…”

“…However, preoperative image diagnosis does not always match the pathological findings. Several groups have reported that the diagnostic accuracy of imaging studies for lymph node metastasis remains unsatisfactory even with the application of multi-detector row computed tomography (MDCT) [3][4][5], magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) [6,7] and positron emission tomography (PET) [8] in patients with pancreato-biliary carcinoma. Thus, in patients with lymphadenopathy detected by these imaging modalities, particularly the para-aortic lymph nodes, the choice of type and extent of surgery remains difficult due to the low positive predictive values (PPV), and the lymph node status can only be confirmed properly during laparotomy.…”

MRI of gallbladder cancer

“…1 and 2) (11). Schwartz et al (12) showed that GBCA manifested at MRI as focal gallbladder wall thickening with an eccentric mass in 76% of cases. GBCA is typically T1 hypointense and T2 hyperintense compared with the surrounding liver parenchyma (Figs.…”

“…Hence, high resolution T2 and arterial phased contrast enhanced images are most useful in differentiating GBCA from inflammatory wall thickening. The late phases of enhancement are less useful, as delayed wall enhancement is present in both cholecystitis and GBCA (12).…”