Study of Pancreatic Fat and High-Risk Cyst Features in Adults with Pre-malignant Pancreatic Cysts Using MRI and Endoscopic Ultrasound

What this Trial Is About

Pancreatic cancer is a leading cause of cancer deaths globally and in Hong Kong, with a very high fatality rate. Diagnosing it early is challenging due to the pancreass deep location, which delays treatment and worsens survival. This research focuses on improving pancreatic cancer prevention and early detection, especially by identifying risk factors and monitoring pre-malignant pancreatic cystic lesions in high-risk patients using imaging techniques like MRI and endoscopic ultrasound EUS. The study compares two groups patients with at least one pancreatic cystic lesion presumed to be intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm IPMN or mucinous cystic neoplasm MCN of size 5 mm or larger, and healthy subjects without such cysts. Participants undergo specialized MRI scans to measure pancreatic and liver fat content using advanced imaging sequences. This helps determine the prevalence of pancreatic steatosis and its possible link with cyst features that indicate higher cancer risk. Participants are involved in a one-time MRI procedure to quantify fat content in the pancreas and liver. Researchers analyze the prevalence of pancreatic steatosis, examine cyst features using EUS, and investigate risk factors associated with pancreatic steatosis. The study aims to refine risk assessment for pancreatic cyst progression and cancer development by adding information about pancreatic fat. Participation includes providing consent and completing the imaging procedures, with the study expected to end in April 2026.

Determination of Pancreatic Steatosis Prevalence and Correlation With High-risk Cyst Features