This volume, authored by recognized experts in the field, offers a comprehensive review of state-of-the-art magnetic resonance imaging of the abdomen and pelvis. The individual chapters provide extensive descriptions and high-quality illustrations of normal appearances, common diseases, and rarer entities, consider technical requirements, and document latest developments. In addition, the value of magnetic resonance imaging relative to other imaging modalities is discussed. The result is a profound overview and indispensable reference that will be of great interest not only to radiologists but also to gastroenterologists, surgeons, gynecologists, and urologists.

Klappentext

While MRI has proved itself to be an excellent diagnostic noninvasive modality for imaging of the brain, medulla, and musculoskeletal system due to its high intrinsic con­ trast resolution and tissue characterisation potential based on the judicious application of specific sequences, this has not been the case in the abdomen and pelvis. The reasons are the long exposure time and the lower spatial resolution, inherent to MRI. However, during recent years considerable process has been achieved in MRI of the abdominal and pelvic organs due to the development of new and more rapid imaging sequences and the routine clinical application of specific magnetic resonance contrast media. Consequently for some anatomical areas such as the female genital organs and the biliary system MRI is already the best performing morphological diagnostic modality. However, the question arises as to wether MRI, given its performance capabilities, should not also be considered a primary diagnostic modality for the study of parenchymal organs like the liver, spleen, and pancreas, and not merely as a complen­ tary modality to solve residual problems after ultrasonography and computed tomog­ raphy have been performed. Although the future role of MRI in respect of the gas­ trointestinal tube itself is still somewhat unclear, some possibilities for routine clinical use are becoming visible even in this abdominal field.

Inhalt

Imaging Strategies for the Detection of Liver Lesions.- Diffuse Disease of the Liver.- Benign Focal Liver Lesions.- Malignant Focal Liver Lesions.- Spleen.- Biliary System.- Advanced MRI Techniques for the Pancreas with Emphasis on MR Pancreaticography.- Acute and Chronic Pancreatitis.- Endocrine Tumors of the Pancreas.- Nonendocrine Tumors of the Pancreas.- Adrenal Glands.- Kidneys.- Lymphatic System.- Stomach, Duodenum and Small Bowel.- Colon and Rectum.- Bladder.- Prostate and Seminal Vesicles.- Ovaries and Fallopian Tubes.- Uterus and Vagina.