Eleanor F. Cox1, Janet K. Smith2, John Simpson2, Susan T. Francis1
1SPMMRC, School of Physics & Astronomy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, United Kingdom; 2Nottingham Digestive Diseases Centre BRU, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire , United Kingdom
Alterations in pancreatic blood flow have been implicated in pancreatic inflammation and pain. However, there are few methods to assess pancreatic blood flow and these are generally invasive, using ionising radiation or intravenous contrast media, limiting repeat measures. Here, we use secretin stimulation to alter blood flow. We repeatedly measure pancreatic tissue perfusion using respiratory-triggered arterial spin labelling, and vessel blood flow (superior mesenteric SMA, gastroduodenal GDA, hepatic, splenic arteries), using phase contrast MRI, before and at 10 minute intervals following secretin administration. We show pancreatic tissue perfusion, SMA flow, and GDA flow, were all significantly increased following secretin administration.