Review
Copyright ©2007 Baishideng Publishing Group Co., Limited. All rights reserved.
World J Gastroenterol. Aug 21, 2007; 13(31): 4177-4184
Published online Aug 21, 2007. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v13.i31.4177
Multiplanar reformations and minimum intensity projections using multi-detector row CT for assessing anomalies and disorders of the pancreaticobiliary tree
Hyun Cheol Kim, Dal Mo Yang, Wook Jin, Chang Woo Ryu, Jung Kyu Ryu, Sung Il Park, Seong Jin Park, Hyeong Cheol Shin, Il Young Kim
Hyun Cheol Kim, Dal Mo Yang, Wook Jin, Chang Woo Ryu, Jung Kyu Ryu, Department of Radiology, East-West Neo Medical Center, Kyung-Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
Sung Il Park, Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Kwandong University, Myongji Hospital, Goyang, Republic of Korea
Seong Jin Park, Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Soonchunhyang University, Bucheon Hospital, Bucheon, Republic of Korea
Hyeong Cheol Shin, Il Young Kim, Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan Hospital, Cheonan, Republic of Korea
Author contributions: All authors contributed equally to the work.
Correspondence to: Hyun Cheol Kim, MD, PhD, Department of Radiology, East-West Neo Medical Center, Kyung-Hee University, 149 Sangil-dong, Gangdong-gu, Seoul 134-727, Republic of Korea. khcppp@lycos.co.kr
Telephone: +82-2-4406185  Fax: +82-2-4406932
Received: February 24, 2007
Revised: March 23, 2007
Accepted: March 28, 2007
Published online: August 21, 2007
Abstract

CT scan is regarded as the imaging modality of choice in patients with pancreaticobiliary ductal abnormalities. However, the axial orientation of the CT images provides only limited anatomical view of pancreaticobiliary ductal abnormalities. The technological advances of multi-detector row CT and three-dimensional image processing in workstations allows rapid image acquisition and a short postprocessing time. In particular, multiplanar reformations (MPR) and minimum intensity projections (MinIP) offer rapid and accurate images of the anatomy and abnormalities of the pancreaticobiliary tree. Moreover, MPR and MinIP help determine the relationship between the pancreaticobiliary ductal anatomy and the surrounding structures. This pictorial review illustrates the wide spectrum of images obtained by the MPR and MinIP of the anomalies and disorders of the pancreaticobiliary tree.

Keywords: Multi-detector CT; Bile Ducts; Biliary System; Pancreas; Computer Applications-3D