MRI manifestations of normal pancreas in piglets

Objective To observe the MRI findings of normal pancreas in piglets.Methods Eight healthy piglets underwent MR examination,and the morphology,size,signal intensity of pancreas were observed.After MR imaging,all piglets were abdominally incised to observe the anatomy of pancreas and pancreatic adjacent structures.The opening of both common bile duct and pancreatic duct were detected during operation.Two piglets were sacrificed after operation and the whole pancreases were dissected for anatomic research.Results The pancreas of piglets was composed of three parts:right lobe,median lobe and left lobe.All the lobes were displayed clearly on MRI.The signal intensity of pancreas was higher than that of liver and spleen on T1WI,whereas lower than that of liver and spleen on T2WI.On MRCP,pancreatic duct was not presented,whereas the common bile duct could be seen clearly.The opening of common bile duct located at superior part of duodenum(nearby the pylorus)and the opening of pancreatic duct situated at duodenal papilla corresponding to pancreatic right lobe.Conclusion MRI can show the pancreas of piglets very well.The morphology of pancreas and features of common bile duct conjunction with pancreatic duct in piglet are different from those in human.