The role of MRI in the diagnosis and follow-up for cystic pancreatic laesions

Introduction: With the widespread use of cross-sectional imaging and the technical developments particularly computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and the continuous improvement in the image quality of these techniques, the diagnosis of incidental pancreatic cysts has increased in the last decades. These techniques have allowed improved spatial and contrast resolution especially. MR cholangiopancreatography demonstrating the morphologic features of the cyst (septa and mural nodules), the presence of communication between the cystic lesion and the pancreatic duct, and evaluating the extent of pancreatic ductal dilatation. The cystic lesions includes non-neoplastic lesions (i.e. pseudocyst) and cystic neoplasms [serous cystadenomas(SCA), mucinous cystic neoplasms and intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMN)]. Mucin-producing neoplasms, except side branch IPMN(Sb-IPMN), have malignant potential.