Value of pancreatic and biliary flow MR imaging in the evaluation of pancreaticobiliary disorders.

Researchers have examined the possibility of studying pancreatic and biliary flow and using to aid the pathological evaluation of pancreaticobiliary diseases. Recently, a new method using MR imaging (MRI) has been developed for the direct visualization of pancreatic juice flow, based on a spin labeling technique. This technique enables direct visualization of pancreatic or bile duct juice flow and has various clinical applications relating to pancreaticobiliary disease. This review discusses the principle of pancreatic and biliary flow MRI with spin labeling and typical application examples such as the evaluation of the exocrine function of the pancreas in cases of chronic pancreatitis and the visualization of pancreatic juice reflux into the bile duct. Moreover other application is also discussed.