Intraductal papillary mucinous tumors of the pancreas. Comparison of helical CT and MR imaging

PURPOSE: To compare the effectiveness of thin-section helical CT and MR imaging with gadolinium-enhanced dynamic technique and MR cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) in the examination of patients with intraductal papillary mucinous tumors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Helical CT, dynamic MR imaging, and MRCP of 25 intraductal papillary mucinous tumors were compared with ERCP and surgical findings. RESULTS: The duodenal papilla was identified by helical CT and dynamic MR imaging in 11 (44%) and 20 (80%) of the 25 patients, respectively (p<0.05). The main pancreatic duct was visualized on helical CT, dynamic MR imaging, and MRCP in all patients (100%): 25 (96.2%), 24 (92.3%), and 26 (100%) cystic lesions were depicted, respectively. A communicating duct between the main pancreatic duct and the cystic lesion was visualized on helical CT, dynamic MR imaging, and MRCP in 14 (53.8%), 11 (42.3%), and 15 (55.7%) lesions, respectively. The papillary projections corresponding to 3 mm or larger papillary neoplasms were depicted on helical CT and MR imaging in 7 patients (25%). CONCLUSION: MR imaging was equal or slightly superior to thin-section helical CT in the evaluation of intraductal papillary mucinous tumors.     

Intraductal papillary mucinous tumors of the pancreas: thin-section helical CT findings

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the thin-section helical CT findings of intraductal papillary mucinous tumors and to investigate whether helical CT could distinguish between malignant and benign intraductal papillary mucinous tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-seven patients (nine with malignant and 18 with benign intraductal papillary-mucinous tumors) underwent thin-section (3- or 5-mm) helical CT. Two-phase enhanced CT was started 30 and 60-70 sec after injection of contrast material at 3 ml/sec. RESULTS: In six patients (22.2%), a bulging papilla was depicted on CT. Twenty-five patients (92.6%) had a dilated main pancreatic duct. Cystic lesions were seen in 25 patients (92.6%). Thirteen lesions (48%) were located in the uncinate process, seven (25.9%) were in the head, two (7.4%) were in the body, and three (11%) were in the tail. The cystic lesion was unilocular in five patients (18.5%) and multilocular with a lobulated margin in 20 patients (74%). Communication between the main pancreatic duct and the cystic lesion was depicted in 19 patients (70.4%). The papillary projections corresponding to 3-mm or larger papillary neoplasms were depicted in five patients (18.5%). The bulging papilla was more often observed in malignant than in benign intraductal papillary mucinous tumors (p < 0.05). The caliber of the main pancreatic duct was significantly larger in patients with malignant intraductal papillary mucinous tumors (p > 0.001). CONCLUSION: The most frequently found feature of intraductal papillary mucinous tumors was a lobulated multilocular cystic lesion located in the uncinate process and in contiguity with the dilated main pancreatic duct. In some patients, a bulging papilla and papillary projections in the ducts, which were specific findings, were visualized on CT. The bulging papilla and the caliber of the main pancreatic duct helped differentiate malignant from benign intraductal papillary mucinous tumors.     

Intraductal papillary tumors of the pancreas. Histopathologic correlation of MR cholangiopancreatography findings

Purpose: To evaluate MR cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) findings of intraductal papillary tumors of the pancreas and correlate them with histopathology.Material and Methods: Seventeen patients with intraductal papillary tumor of the pancreas underwent MRCP before surgery. MRCP findings were correlated to histopathology with regard to the presence of septa and excrescent nodules in the cystic lesion, communication between the cystic lesion and the main pancreatic duct (MPD), degree of dilatation of MPD, and dilatation of the common bile duct (CBD).Results: MRCP demonstrated septa in 17 cases (100%), excrescent nodules in 8 cases (47.1%), communication between the intraductal papillary tumor and the MPD in 14 cases (82.3%), dilatation of MPD over 50% in 6 cases (35.3%), and dilatation of CBD in 3 cases (17.6%). These findings showed excellent correlation with histopathology. The septum on MRCP corresponded with a layer of connective tissue with pancreatic duct epithelium. Excrescent nodules in the carcinomas consisted not only of malignant cells, but also of dysplasia and adenoma. Excrescent nodules in adenomas were consistent not only with minimal papillary growth of adenoma, but also with proliferation of fibrosis, and hematoma and organized fibrin with minimal fibrosis. Pancreatic tissue was affected by chronic pancreatitis in all cases. Cases with dilatation of CBD on MRCP were due to microscopic invasion by the carcinoma.Conclusion: MRCP appearances of intraductal papillary tumors are well correlated with the findings at histopathology.     

Radiologic spectrum of intraductal papillary mucinous tumor of the pancreas.

"Intraductal papillary mucinous tumor" is now the preferred term to describe a spectrum of proliferation of the pancreatic ductal epithelium. The tumor produces an excessive amount of mucin and results in progressive dilation of the main pancreatic duct or cystic dilation of the branch ducts, depending on the location of the tumor. This tumor is small and localized in a segment of the main pancreatic duct or in branch ducts, particularly in the branch ducts of the uncinate process, but it may also be diffuse, involving a wide area of the pancreatic ducts. Excessive mucin may impede the pancreatic duct flow and, in turn, produce symptoms of chronic pancreatitis. The following findings are seen on imaging studies: lobulated multicystic dilatation of the branch ducts, diffuse dilatation of the main pancreatic duct, intraductal papillary tumors, elongated or globlike mucous plugs in the dilated ducts, and bulging of the papilla into the duodenal lumen. The diagnosis is suggested at ultrasonography, computed tomography, or magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography is the imaging modality of choice for the diagnosis, because it depicts the communication between the cystically dilated branch ducts and the diffusely dilated main pancreatic duct, as well as intraductal papillary tumor and mucous plugs.     

MR imaging and MR cholangiopancreatography of multifocal intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms of the side branches: MR pattern and its evolution

PURPOSE: This paper describes the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) pattern of multifocal intraductal papillary mucinous tumours (IPMT) of the pancreatic side branches and its evolution during followup. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-six patients with multifocal IPMT of the side branches were included in this retrospective study. Inclusion criteria were > or =2 ectasic side branches, presence of communication with the main pancreatic duct, and > or =2 MRI/MRCP examinations after > or = 6-12 months. Exclusion criteria were IPMT involving both the main pancreatic duct and its branch ducts, previous surgery and lack of follow-up MRI examinations. Median follow-up was 27 (range 6-59) months. Images were assessed qualitatively and quantitatively. Qualitative assessment considered: the number of cystic lesions of the branch ducts, morphology of the communication between the cystic lesion and the main duct (direct or neck), presence of intraluminal filling defects within the cystic lesions, presence of mural nodules and mural enhancement of the cystic lesion. quantitative assessment considered mean maximal diameter of the cystic lesions and mean length of the communication neck. RESULTS: At diagnosis, the mean number of cystic lesions of the side branches was 7.5. a communication neck was detected in 16/26 patients (60%). Intraluminal filling defects in the side branches were present in 6/26 patients (23%). Mural nodules were seen in 1/26 patients (4%). The mean diameter of the cystic lesions was 18.8 mm. The mean length of the communication neck was 6.9 mm. At follow-up, the mean number of cystic lesions of the side branches was 8.4. A communication neck was detected in 20/26 patients (77%). Intraluminal filling defects in the side branches were detected in 7/26 patients (27%); mural nodules were seen in 2/26 patients (8%). Mural enhancement of the branch duct was detected in 2/26 patients (8%). The mean diameter of the cystic lesions increased to 22.3 mm (p < 0.05), and the mean length of the communication neck was 8.6 mm. CONCLUSIONS: MultifocaL IPMT of the side branches shows a constant but very slow progression over time. In our series, only 2/26 patients showed mural nodules.     

Comparison of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography with MR cholangiopancreatography in patients with pancreatitis

PURPOSE: To assess the usefulness of magnetic resonance (MR) cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) in the evaluation of disease in patients with acute or chronic pancreatitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MR imaging was performed at 1.5 T in 39 patients with chronic (n = 30) or acute (n = 9) pancreatitis. The patients underwent a pancreas MR imaging protocol that included an MRCP sequence. Comparison was made with findings at endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), performed within 30 days. Three blinded readers used a scoring system to evaluate nine segments of the pancreatic and biliary ducts as depicted on the ERCP and MRCP images. MRCP image quality was also evaluated. RESULTS: Of 196 segments analyzed, 17 were not seen at MRCP (sensitivity, 91%). Of the segments visualized at MRCP, 14 were incorrectly characterized (accuracy, 92%). At MRCP, segments not detected or mischaracterized were either normal, slightly dilated, or narrowed. At ERCP, 42 segments in 19 patients were not visualized. MRCP findings were considered useful in all those cases. MRCP image quality was not interpretable in two cases due to artifacts. CONCLUSION: Very good correlation between ERCP and MRCP findings was demonstrated. Both modalities failed to depict pathologic conditions depicted by the alternative method. MRCP may obviate ERCP, particularly in patients who cannot undergo ERCP or in whom ERCP has been unsuccessful.     

MR cholangiopancreatographic differentiation of benign and malignant intraductal mucin-producing tumors of the pancreas

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to establish MR cholangiopancreatographic criteria for discriminating benign from malignant intraductal mucin-producing tumors of the pancreas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-one patients with 34 intraductal mucin-producing tumors underwent MR cholangiopancreatography. Tumors were classified as either main duct type (n = 10) or branch duct type (n = 24). In patients with the main duct type, the maximum diameter and the location of the main pancreatic duct, the extent of main pancreatic duct dilatation, and the presence of a filling defect were evaluated. For branch duct type, the location and maximum diameter of the cystic lesion, the presence of a filling defect, and the presence of associated main pancreatic duct dilatation were evaluated. RESULTS: In patients with the main duct type, the main pancreatic duct was significantly narrower when associated with benign rather than malignant tumors. All malignant tumors showed diffuse main pancreatic duct dilatation, whereas all benign tumors showed segmental dilatation. Among patients with branch duct type, the cyst was smaller when it was a benign rather than malignant tumor. All but one malignant tumor showed mild associated main pancreatic duct dilatation, whereas benign tumors were not associated with main pancreatic duct dilatation. Filling defects suggested malignancy, although half of the malignant tumors had no filling defects. CONCLUSION: In patients with intraductal mucin-producing tumors of the pancreas, filling defects are indicative of malignancy. Diffuse main pancreatic duct dilatation greater than 15 mm (main duct type), or any main pancreatic duct dilatation (branch duct type), is strongly associated with malignancy.     

Differential Diagnosis of Benign and Malignant Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Tumors of the Pancreas: MR Cholangiopancreatography and MR Angiography

Objective

To compare the usefulness of magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) and MR angiography (MRA) in differentiating malignant from benign intraductal papillary mucinous tumors of the pancreas (IPMTs), and to determine the findings which suggest malignancy.

Materials and Methods

During a 6-year period, 46 patients with IPMT underwent MRCP. Morphologically, tumor type was classified as main duct, branch duct, or combined. The diameter of the main pancreatic duct (MPD), the extent of the dilated MPD, and the location and size of the cystic lesion, septum, and communicating channel were assessed. For all types of IPMTs, enhanced mural nodules and portal vein narrowing were evaluated at MRA.

Results

Combined-type IPMTs were more frequently malignant (78%) than benign (42%) (p < 0.05). Compared with benign lesions, malignant lesions were larger, and the caliber of the communicating channel was also larger (p < 0.05). Their dilated MPD was more extensive and of greater diameter (p < 0.05), and the presence of mural nodules was more frequent (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Combined MRCP and MRA might be useful for the differential diagnosis of malignant and benign IPMTs of the pancreas.     

胰胆管疾病的ERCP影像诊断

目的评价内窥镜逆行胰胆管造影(ERCP)对胰胆管疾病的诊断价值。方法回顾性分析了经手术或病理及临床证实胰胆管疾病480例的ERCP表现,并与CT,MRI,MRCP,超声及透皮肝穿刺胆道造影(PTC)等检查方法进行对比。结果正常胰胆管75例,先天性胆管囊肿14例,胆系结石292例,奥狄括约肌狭窄症46例,壶腹癌、胆管癌52例,胰管癌4例,胰腺炎2例,胰管结石3例,胆道蛔虫症9例,肝内胆管发育变异2例,胆囊管异位开口6例,胆道-腹腔漏2例,十二指肠乳头旁憩室9例,十二指肠乳头开口于憩室内2例,肝移植后吻合口狭窄2例,肝移植后吻合口狭窄并胆漏1例,肝移植后肝外胆管条状结石2例。结论ERCP及MRCP检查同为诊断胰胆管疾病的“金标准”,但每种影像学方法均有其优缺点,应根据患者情况选择。ERCP虽有一定的创伤性,但检查同时可行内镜下乳头括约肌切开术(EST)等微创治疗。     

MR cholangiopancreatography: technique, potential indications, and diagnostic features of benign, postoperative, and malignant conditions

The objective of this article is to review technical aspects, discuss potential clinical indications for MR cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) and demonstrate the spectrum of diagnostic findings in benign, postoperative, and malignant conditions. We describe our current imaging protocol in comparison with other available techniques. Using a non-breath-hold, heavily T2-weighted fast-spin-echo (FSE) sequence with or without respiratory gating we obtained coronal and axial source images and maximum intensity projections (MIPs) in 102 patients with suspected abnormalities of the biliary or pancreatic ducts. Based on this series we demonstrate the diagnostic appearance of a variety of benign, postoperative, and malignant conditions of the biliary and pancreatic ducts and discuss potential clinical indications for MRCP. The non-breath-hold FSE technique enables a consistent image quality even in patients who cannot cooperate well. Respiratory gating increased the rate of diagnostic examinations from 79 to 95 %. Acquisition of coronal and axial source images enables detection of bile duct stones as small as 2 mm, although calculi that are impacted and not surrounded by hyperintense bile may sometimes be difficult to detect. The MIP reconstructions help to determine the level of obstruction in malignant jaundice, delineate anatomical variants and malformations, and to diagnose inflammatory conditions, e. g., sclerosing cholangitis, the Mirizzi syndrome and inflammatory changes in the main pancreatic duct. The MRCP technique also correctly demonstrates the morphology of bilio-enteric or bilio-biliary anastomoses. Because MRCP provides sufficient diagnostic information in a wide range of benign and malignant biliary and pancreatic disorders, it could obviate diagnostic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in many clinical settings. The ERCP technique may be increasingly reserved for patients in whom nonsurgical interventional procedures are anticipated. Received 25 July 1996; Revision received 1 October 1996; Accepted 5 November 1996     

胰管内黏液乳头状瘤的MSCT和MRCP表现

目的:探讨胰管内黏液乳头状瘤(IPMT)的MSCT和MRCP表现特征。方法:对8例经临床或病理证实的IPMT患者的临床、实验室、影像、病理资料进行回顾性分析。结果:8例患者中,病变位于胰腺钩突部2例、头部1例、体部1例、尾部2例、多发胰管受累2例。症状多为慢性上腹痛。影像表现为分支胰管或主胰管扩张,呈单囊或多囊状,囊内有附壁结节、黏液栓子或分隔,病灶与主胰管相通,主胰管不同程度扩张,十二指肠乳头膨大。ERCP确诊IPMT5例,手术后病理确诊3例,其中腺瘤、交界瘤、腺癌各1例。结论:胰管内黏液乳头状瘤的MSCT和MRCP表现有一定的特征性,结合其临床特征,可以作出正确诊断。     

高场强磁共振胰胆管成像的临床应用

目的：评价高场强MR胰胆管成像的临床应用价值。方法：回顾分析用高场强磁共振水成像技术行胰胆管成像的病人2252例。采用快速自旋回波(FSE)技术，图像经三维(3D)最大信号强度投影(MIP)后处理。并将所有结果为阳性的病例与手术或FIE或ERCP的结果相对照。结果：在2252例病人中阴性564例，阳性1688例。此技术可从不同角度清楚描述胰胆管的形态，展示各种疾病的异常影像改变，其敏感性为91％-100％，阳性预测值达85％-100％，准确性为94％-99％。结论：高场强MR胰胆管成像具有较高的准确性，能为胰胆管系统疾病的诊断和术后评价提供可靠的依据。     

胰管内乳头状黏液性肿瘤的影像学诊断

目的探讨胰管内乳头状黏液性肿瘤影像学诊断的价值、特征，以及临床特点。方法搜集36例手术证明的胰管内乳头状黏液性肿瘤患者，所有患者术前都接受了CT、MR平扫和增强检查。回顾性分析主胰管型（8例）和分支型（28例）肿瘤的临床特点和影像学表现。结果（1）主胰管型肿瘤的影像表现：主胰管扩张管径〉9mm，呈弥漫或节段性扩张，可伴有壁结节，增强后壁结节不同程度强化；MR胰胆管成像（MRCP）主胰管呈中～重度扩张，其中4例胰管内有扁平状和（或）乳头状的充盈缺损，2例近端胰管明显扩张。（2）分支型肿瘤的影像学表现：肿瘤胰头钩突部多见，呈单房或多房囊状肿瘤，可伴有分隔、壁结节，伴有主胰管扩张；MRCP显示24例内有分隔，15例内有充盈缺损的壁结节，同时清楚地显示19例分支型肿瘤和主胰管之间的交通，以及8例不同程度扩张的主胰管。结论术前正确地诊断胰管内乳头状黏液性肿瘤对手术方式的选择极为重要。MRCP是1种无创、有效地发现和诊断胰管内乳头状黏液性肿瘤的方法。     

The use of MRCP in the detection of pancreatic injuries after blunt trauma

From January 2000 to November 2001, five consecutive, hemodynamically stable trauma patients (age range 8–69 years, mean age 34 years) with parenchymal injurieswere evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP). One patient also underwent a MRCP-facilitated secretin test. MRI depicted pancreatic laceration in two patients, ductal disruption and a post-traumatic intraparenchymal pseudocyst in one, migrating pancreatic fluid collection in the mediastinal space with disruption in another, and main pancreatic duct rupture and dilatation in the patient evaluated with MRCP following secretin administration. MRI with MRCP is an effective noninvasive test for detecting and managing pancreatic injuries after blunt trauma. Secretin administration improves ductal visualization, particularly of nondilated ducts. Finally, MRI was useful in the follow-up studies of parenchymal damage and minor ductal injuries, providing high-quality images of the pancreatic duct and biliary tract. Electronic Publication     

MR cholangiopancreatography at 0.5 T with a 3D inversion recovery turbo-spin-echo sequence

The objective of this study was to assess the diagnostic value of magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) at 0.5 T. The MRCP technique was performed in 28 patients with symptomatology referrable to the biliary system. A three-dimensional (3D) inversion recovery turbo-spin-echo (TSE) sequence was used to create 3D reconstructions of the bile ducts. Dilation of the biliary tree or pancreatic duct in 23 patients due to tumor, calculi, or strictures was depicted with excellent contrast resolution. The approximate level of obstruction and all calculi were accurately predicted by MRCP. In another 3 patients no cause was found for the biliary dilatation. In the last 2 cases no abnormalities were found by either MRCP or endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). The MRCP technique at 0.5 T is an accurate method for the assessment of pathology of the biliary tree. Received 23 August 1996; Revision received 31 January 1997; Accepted 5 February 1997     

胰腺导管内乳头状黏液性肿瘤CT与MRI表现及鉴别诊断

目的探讨胰腺导管内乳头状黏液性肿瘤的CT及MRI表现特点及鉴别诊断。资料与方法回顾性分析经手术病理证实的26例胰腺导管内乳头状黏液性肿瘤的CT及MRI表现。结果主胰管型4例,主要表现为主胰管扩张,其中1例伴胰管内多发结节影且均匀强化;分支胰管型20例,呈单房或多房样囊性病灶,部分有分隔;混合型2例,表现为胰头及钩突囊性肿块影呈多房样改变,轻度强化,并可见主胰管扩张。结论 CT及MRI在胰腺导管内乳头状黏液性肿瘤的诊断及鉴别诊断中具有重要意义。     

胰腺导管内乳头状黏液性肿瘤的CT诊断

目的:探讨胰腺导管内乳头状黏液性肿瘤(IPMN)的螺旋CT诊断价值。材料和方法:回顾性分析经手术病理证实的14例胰腺IPMN的螺旋CT表现。结果:主胰管型IPMN3例,表现为主胰管扩张伴管壁结节样突起;分支胰管型IPMN5例,表现为分叶状单发囊性病变或葡萄串样多发囊性病变伴腔内分隔或结节样突起;混合型IPMN6例,表现为主胰管扩张和囊性病变合并存在。CT诊断IPMN恶变6例,病理诊断导管内乳头状黏液腺癌7例。结论:螺旋CT能够显示胰腺IPMN的病理特征,并可做出分型。     

磁共振胰胆管成像技术及临床应用价值

目的 :探讨磁共振胰胆管成像 (MRCP)技术的临床价值。方法 :对 49例胰胆管病变的病人采用快速自旋回波之重 T2 加权技术进行 MRCP检查 ,经最大信号强度投影 (MIP)取得图像。2 0例有手术病理结果。结果 :MRCP图像与 ERCP、PTC图像相似 ,能较好地显示胰胆管疾病的病变部位、梗阻程度、狭窄和充盈缺损 ,准确性较高。结论 :MRCP作为一种安全非创伤性影像学诊断技术 ,不使用造影剂 ,能较好地显示胰胆管的解剖和病理变化 ,从而提高胰胆管疾病的诊断水平。     

MR cholangiopancreatography: prospective comparison of a breath-hold 2D projection technique with diagnostic ERCP

The aim of this study was to compare prospectively a breath-hold projection magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) technique with diagnostic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Seventy-six patients with suspected strictures or choledocholithiasis were referred for MRCP and subsequent ERCP examination, which were performed within 4 h of each other. The MRCP technique was performed using fat-suppressed rapid acquisition with relaxation enhancement (RARE) projection images obtained in standardised planes with additional targeted projections as required by the supervising radiologist. Two radiologists (in consensus) assessed the MRCP results prospectively and independently for the presence of bile duct calculi, strictures, non-specific biliary dilatation and pancreatic duct dilatation, and recorded a single primary diagnosis. The ERCP was assessed prospectively and independently by a single endoscopist and used as a gold standard for comparison with MRCP. Diagnostic agreement was assessed by the Kappa statistic. The MRCP technique failed in two patients and ERCP in five. In the remaining 69 referrals ERCP demonstrated normal findings in 23 cases, strictures in 19 cases, choledocholithiasis in 9 cases, non-specific biliary dilatation in 14 cases and chronic pancreatitis in 4 cases. The MRCP technique correctly demonstrated 22 of 23 normal cases, 19 strictures with one false positive (sensitivity 100 %, specificity 98 %), all 9 cases of choledocholithiasis with two false positives (sensitivity 100 %, specificity 97 %), 12 of 14 cases of non-specific biliary dilatation and only 1 of 4 cases of chronic pancreatitis. There was overall good agreement for diagnosis based on a kappa value of 0.88. Breath-hold projection MRCP can provide non-invasively comparable diagnostic information to diagnostic ERCP for suspected choledocholithiasis and biliary strictures and may allow more selective use of therapeutic ERCP. Received: 20 May 1998; Revision received: 26 November 1998; Accepted: 7 January 1999     

Pancreas divisum and santorinicele: assessment by dynamic magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography during secretin stimulation

PURPOSE: To evaluate the usefulness of MRCP, before and after secretin administration, in diagnosing Santoriniceles in patients with pancreas divisum. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred and eight patients with suspected pancreatic disease, underwent dynamic magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) before and after secretin administration (S-MRCP). S-MRCP images were evaluated for presence/absence of pancreas divisum, Santorinicele; size of the main pancreatic duct and of the Santorinicele. The onset of duodenal filling was calculated on dynamic S-MRCP images. S-MRCP findings were compared to endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) ones (39/108). RESULTS: Pancreas divisum (PD) was detected in 6/108 patients (6%) at MRCP, and in 16/108 patients (14%) at S-MRCP. ERCP confirmed the diagnosis in 12/16 patients, with 1 false positive. 3 patients did not undergo ERCP. Santorinicele was detected in 4/108 (3%) patients at MRCP and in additional 4/108 (3%) patients at S-RMCP, only in patients with PD. Santoriniceles were confirmed in 7/8 patients at ERCP; in 1/8 patient CPRE was unsuccessful. The duct of Santorini was significantly larger (p< 0.05), in the pancreatic head, in patients with PD and Santorinicele (3.6 mm) compared to those with PD only (2.2 mm). A significant reduction in size of the pancreatic duct (26%) and of the Santorinicele (63%) was observed after sphincterotomy. The onset of duodenal filling was significantly delayed in patients with Santorinicele (2.1 vs 1.3 minutes)(p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: S-MRCP helps to identify patients with pancreas divisum and Santorinicele, a known cause of impeded pancreatic outflow which benefits from endoscopic treatment.