Tomoelastography and Pancreatic Extracellular Volume Fraction Derived From MRI for Predicting Clinically Relevant Postoperative Pancreatic Fistula

Background: Pancreatic stiffness and extracellular volume fraction (ECV) are potential imaging biomarkers for pancreatic fibrosis. Clinically relevant postoperative fistula (CR-POPF) is one of the most severe complications after pancreaticoduodenectomy. Which imaging biomarker performs better for predicting the risk of CR-POPF remains unknown.

Purpose: To evaluate the diagnostic performance of ECV and tomoelastography-derived pancreatic stiffness for predicting the risk of CR-POPF in patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy.

Study type: Prospective.

Population: Eighty patients who underwent multiparametric pancreatic MRI before pancreaticoduodenectomy, among whom 16 developed CR-POPF and 64 did not.

Field strength/sequence: 3 T/tomoelastography and precontrast and postcontrast T1 mapping of the pancreas.

Assessment: Pancreatic stiffness was measured on the tomographic c-map, and pancreatic ECV was calculated from precontrast and postcontrast T1 maps. Pancreatic stiffness and ECV were compared with histological fibrosis grading (F0-F3). The optimal cutoff values for predicting CR-POPF were determined, and the correlation between CR-POPF and imaging parameters was evaluated.

Statistical tests: The Spearman's rank correlation and multivariate linear regression analysis was conducted. The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis and logistic regression analysis was performed. A double-sided P < 0.05 indicated a statistically significant difference.

Results: Pancreatic stiffness and ECV both showed a significantly positive correlation with histological pancreatic fibrosis (r = 0.73 and 0.56, respectively). Patients with advanced pancreatic fibrosis had significantly higher pancreatic stiffness and ECV compared to those with no/mild fibrosis. Pancreatic stiffness and ECV were also correlated with each other (r = 0.58). Lower pancreatic stiffness (<1.38 m/sec), lower ECV (<0.28), nondilated main pancreatic duct (<3 mm) and pathological diagnosis other than pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma were associated with higher risk of CR-POPF at univariate analysis, and pancreatic stiffness was independently associated with CR-POPF at multivariate analysis (odds ratio: 18.59, 95% confidence interval: 4.45, 77.69).

Data conclusion: Pancreatic stiffness and ECV were associated with histological fibrosis grading, and pancreatic stiffness was an independent predictor for CR-POPF.

Level of evidence: 1 TECHNICAL EFFICACY STAGE: 5.