Findings in pancreatic MRI associated with pancreatic fibrosis and HbA1c values

Abstract

Purpose To evaluate the diagnostic performance of noncontrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to grade pancreatic fibrosis and to assess hemoglobin (Hb) A1c values. Materials and Methods Twenty-nine consecutive patients with pancreatic or biliary malignancy who underwent pancreatectomy were evaluated. Patients were classified into three groups: HbA1c < 5.7 (group 1), 5.7 ≤ HbA1c < 6.5 (group 2), and HbA1c ≥ 6.5 (group 3). MRI of the pancreas was performed using a 1.5T MR system. The pancreas-to-muscle signal intensity ratio (SIR) on in- and opposed-phase T1-, T2-, and diffusion-weighted images, as well as the apparent diffusion coefficient were calculated. MRI measurements, degrees of pancreatic fibrosis, and HbA1c values were compared using multiple regression analysis and Kruskal-Wallis test. Results The pancreatic fibrosis grade was negatively correlated with the SIR on in-phase T1-weighted images (r = -0.67, P = 0.0002). The pancreatic fibrosis grade and HbA1c value were negatively correlated with the SIR on opposed-phase T1-weighted images (r = -0.47, P = 0.019 and r = -0.51, P = 0.0089, respectively). SIRs on in- and opposed-phase T1-weighted images were significantly lower in group 3 than in groups 1 and 2 (P < 0.05). Conclusion The pancreas-to-muscle SIRs on in- and opposed-phase T1-weighted images could be a potential biomarker for pancreatic fibrosis and elevated HbA1c values. J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2016;43:680-687.