Magnetic resonance imaging
Summary
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides a complete evaluation of solid organs of the gastrointestinal system, including the liver, pancreas, gallbladder, and spleen, and is the most sensitive noninvasive imaging modality for evaluating the biliary system. This chapter offers diverse images that provide an overview of the MRI and aims to provide a synopsis through pictures and illustrations rather than through text. MRI of the abdomen is often used for definitive characterization of a liver lesion. MRI can be used to diagnose diffuse liver disease such as fibrosis, cirrhosis, hepatic steatosis, and iron deposition. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography is used for evaluating the biliary tract and pancreatic duct. Pancreatic adenocarcinoma typically is an infiltrating hypoenhancing mass relative to the normal pancreas, and often encases surrounding vasculature with secondary pancreatic ductal dilation. The potential of MRI for evaluating the bowel has been explored using magnetic resonance enterography.