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The pathology of the pancreas, which was a'hidden'retroperitoneal organ for many years, can now be marvelously depicted by the modern sectional imaging techniques. As a result great progress has been achieved during the past decade in the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of pancreatic tumors. Among the tumors of the pancreas the so-called rare tumors need to be well known by radiologists because they pose challenging problems for differential diagnosis and for clini­ cal management. This is particularly true because these tumors are frequently discovered incidentally. This volume covers comprehensively all aspects of cystic tumors, intraductal cystic tumors, endocrine tumors, rare tumors and secondary tumors of the pancreas and features numerous superb illustrations. It really provides a wealth of information on a relatively less well known area of the digestive system. The book has been prepared and edited by two outstanding abdominal radiologists, Alec Megibow and Carlo Procacci, both widely known internationally for their many brilliant contributions to the scientific literature on pancreatic imaging. The other contributors come also from both sides of the Atlantic and were invited to provide chapters because of their exceptional expertise and experience.

With the aid of numerous high-quality illustrations, this volume explains the strengths and limitations of the different techniques employed in the imaging of pancreatitis. Ultrasound, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and interventional imaging are each considered separately in the settings of acute and chronic pancreatitis. A further section is devoted to imaging of the complications of these conditions. Throughout, care has been taken to ensure that the reader will achieve a sound understanding of how the imaging findings derive from the pathophysiology of the disease processes. The significance of the imaging findings for clinical and therapeutic decision making is clearly explained, and protocols are provided that will assist in obtaining the best possible images.