Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study of Acute Pancreatitis
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study of Acute Pancreatitis
To quantitatively analyze the T2* values of the head, body, and tail of normal pancreas, and
 observe the value of GRE T2*-weighted MRI in the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis and the
 relationship between the T2* value and the severity of AP.
1. We design a prospective study about "Magetic Resonance Imaging Study of Acute
 Pancreatitis".

 2. We apply for an account and register our study on the clinicalTrials.

 3. In patients with acute pancreatitis, imaging is recommended to confirm the clinical
 diagnosis, investigate the etiology, and grade the severity of the disease . MR had the
 excellent resolution of soft tissue，and it has earned an ever more important role in the
 diagnosis of AP. With the continuous development of MR scanning techniques, the sequence
 of a multi-echo gradient recalled echo (GRE) T2*-weighted imaging (T2*WI), which
 acquires a spin echo signal, T2* relaxation acquires a gradient echo signal, is a
 relatively new MRI technique. The sequence of a GRE T2*WI requires high uniformity of
 the magnetic field, plus it can provide the T2* value, which can indirectly reflect
 changes in tissue biochemical components, thus it can be used for the early diagnosis
 quantitative diagnosis of some diseases .

 4. This calculation process for T2* value is completed using post-processing software on
 the workstation(Advantage workstation 4.4; GE Halthcare) directly after scanning.

 5. AP is a process of inflammation diffusion, in which cell edema will lead to hydrogen
 proton increase. In the inflammatory exudation process, T2* value will change. So we
 conduct our research. In this study, we will observe pancreas in the normal pancreas and
 AP, and discuss the relationship between T2* value and that of AP graded by the MR
 severity index (MRSI) and Acute Physiology And Chronic Healthy Evaluation II (APACHE II)
 scores.

 6. However, until now, there is no research on the sequence applied in the patients with
 AP.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  acute onset of abdominal pain;

 -  pancreatitis at first onset;

 -  three-fold elevated amylase or lipase, excluding other causes of elevated enzymes; and

 -  abdominal MR examination.

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  inability to cooperate when MR imaging was performed;

 -  a history of chronic pancreatitis;

 -  AP due to pancreatic carcinoma;

 -  hypoproteinemia;

 -  with hypoproteinemia and other peritoneal/ retroperitoneal infection diseases ;

 -  with iron deposition disorder (e.g. diabetes or blood system diseases).