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MDCT and MRI of the ampulla of Vater (part I): technique optimization, normal anatomy, and epithelial neoplasms

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Abstract

The purpose of this two-part article is to review the cross-sectional anatomy of the ampulla and periampullary region, to propose novel and optimized MDCT and MRI techniques that allow accurate evaluation of the ampulla of Vater, and to summarize the cross-sectional imaging features of benign and malignant ampullary conditions. In this first part, we will review the normal anatomy of the ampullary region, provide suggestions on how to optimize evaluation of the ampullary region by MDCT and MRI, and review the imaging features of select epithelial neoplasms of the ampulla. Familiarity with the normal ampullary anatomy and the pathologic conditions involving the ampulla, as well as the use of optimized MDCT and MRI techniques, may improve the diagnostic accuracy of radiologists facing ampullary abnormalities.

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Conflict of Interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Body MRI, Department of Radiology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA

    Francesco Alessandrino & Koenraad J. Mortele

  2. Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Center of Radiology and MR, Clinical Center of Serbia School of Medicine, Belgrade, Serbia

    Aleksandar M. Ivanovic

  3. Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA

    Eric U. Yee

  4. Department of Diagnostic Imaging, St-Boniface Hospital, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada

    Dejana Radulovic

  5. Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women’s Faulkner Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA

    Daniel Souza

Authors
  1. Francesco Alessandrino
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  2. Aleksandar M. Ivanovic
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  4. Dejana Radulovic
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Correspondence to Francesco Alessandrino.

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Alessandrino, F., Ivanovic, A.M., Yee, E.U. et al. MDCT and MRI of the ampulla of Vater (part I): technique optimization, normal anatomy, and epithelial neoplasms. Abdom Imaging 40, 3274–3291 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00261-015-0528-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00261-015-0528-3

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