Comparative assessment of magnetic resonance imag-ing and spiral computerized tomography in acute pancreatitis diagnosis

A complex CT and MRI examination was performed on 52 AP patients admitted to surgical hospitals of the National medico-surgical center named after N. I. Pirogov during the period from August 2004 to January 2007. The results of the examination were confidentially assessed by three experts using a 5-point rating scale. The statistical validity of the differences between the gualitative indicators was assessed using the nonparametric significance test X2 The MRI revealed its advantages compared to the CT in identifying fat necrosis, pancreatic and fat sequestrum as well as regarding the possibility of determining hemorrhagic complications. The MRI is not inferior to the CT with intravenous contrast enhancement in pancreatonecrosis detection. It is possible to identify destructive changes in the pancreas without using a contrast substance and, accordingly, without additional loads on the pancreas and kidneys. Thus, the MRI is a highly informative method in diagnosis of acute pancreatitis and its complications.