Does secretin add value in pediatric magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography?

Pediatr Radiol. 2013 Apr;43(4):479-86. doi: 10.1007/s00247-012-2561-5. Epub 2012 Nov 27.

Abstract

Background: Secretin--a hormone that stimulates pancreatic exocrine secretion--is described to improve visualization of the pancreatic duct by magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP). In our pediatric practice, however, we have not observed substantial benefit with the use of secretin.

Objective: To determine whether secretin dilates and improves visualization of the pancreatic duct in pediatric MRCP.

Materials and methods: Retrospective evaluation of secretin-enhanced MRCPs performed over a 15-month period. One reviewer measured the pancreatic duct pre- and post-secretin and two reviewers, blinded to the administration of secretin, assessed image quality and subjective duct visibility. Similar assessments of the biliary tree served as internal controls.

Results: We reviewed 20 MRCPs in 17 children. Following secretin administration, there was a small (0.3 mm) but statistically significant increase in pancreatic duct diameter (P = 0.002) and small (<0.2 mm) but significant increase in intrahepatic bile duct diameter (P = 0.0104). On subjective review, there was no significant difference in image quality or duct visibility based on the administration of secretin.

Conclusion: Secretin induces dilatation of the pancreatic duct but the value of that effect in pediatric MRCP is suspect given the small change in duct diameter and the lack of improvement in image quality and duct visibility.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Cholangiopancreatography, Magnetic Resonance / methods*
  • Female
  • Gastrointestinal Agents
  • Humans
  • Image Enhancement / methods*
  • Male
  • Pancreatic Diseases / pathology*
  • Pancreatic Ducts / pathology*
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Secretin* / administration & dosage
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Single-Blind Method

Substances

  • Gastrointestinal Agents
  • Secretin