Diagnosis of pancreatic head cancer with prominent fatty change in the pancreatic body using 3 Tesla-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging: A case report

Abstract

Introduction: Pancreatic cancer is the seventh leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, and early diagnosis is necessary to obtain a favorable postoperative prognosis. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography is generally recommended when pancreatic cancer is suspected. Herein, we present a case in which contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging was used to detect pancreatic cancer, while contrast-enhanced computed tomography and endoscopic ultrasonography were unable to reveal possible pancreatic cancer. Case Report: We present a case of a man in his 70s whose diabetes had worsened, and the main pancreatic duct was dilated, with suspicion of pancreatic cancer. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography did not reveal a tumor that indicated possible pancreatic cancer, and endoscopic ultrasonography exhibited similar findings. Therefore, 3 Tesla-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging was performed to make an image diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. Conclusion: In lesions exhibiting invasive growth accompanied by prominent fatty change in the pancreatic body, obtaining the contrast effect of adipose tissue by contrast computed tomography is difficult. In addition, an association between prominent fatty change in the pancreatic body and pancreatic cancer has been reported. Therefore, we performed 3 Tesla-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging examination, which tends to yield favorable tissue contrast on adipose tissue images.