Upper Abdomen: Liver, Pancreas, Biliary System, and Spleen

Abstract

Magnetic resonance (MR) is a widely used modality for the evaluation of diffuse liver disease and detection, as well as further characterization of focal liver disease. In comparison with spiral computed tomography (CT) and ultrasound, MR was considered a more problem-solving tool for the pancreas and spleen. However, recent developments have changed this view, with MR representing a comprehensive but also more complex approach compared with other imaging modalities. In particular, the biliary system represents an area of clinical attention because of the noninva-sive and unenhanced visualization of the biliary tree and pancreatic ducts compared with invasive endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP).