Role of diffusion-weighted MR imaging in diagnosis of acute pancreatitis

Abstract

Background The role of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) in the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis is assessed in this study by measuring the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values in acute pancreatitis and comparing them with a control group. The aim of this study is to compare those two groups thus supporting the diagnosis of this disease. Sixteen patients with acute pancreatitis and 16 control participants underwent diffusion-weighted imaging with b values of 0, 200, and 800. ADC maps were generated from the DW-MRI and ADC values, which were calculated for the pancreas, and the results of the two groups of patients were compared. Results The mean pancreatic ADC value in the acute pancreatitis group (1.15 10(−3) mm(2)/s ± 0.28) was significantly lower than in the normal group (1.6 10−3 mm(2)/s ± 0.2). A threshold ADC value of 1.38 10−3 mm(2)/s yielded 81.25%, specificity of 93.75%, positive predictive value of 92.9%, negative predictive value of 83.3%, and accuracy of 91.8%. Pancreatic ADC values were significantly lower in patients with acute pancreatitis than in the control group. Conclusion Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging could be an important supportive tool in the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis.