Feasibility Study of Magnetic Transfer Imaging in Predicting Pancreatic Fistula After Distal Pancreatectomy

Motivation: Pancreatic fistula (POPF) is a frequent complication following distal pancreatectomy (DP). This study aims to determine the value of magnetization transfer imaging (MTI) in predicting POPF after DP. Goal(s): To assess the feasibility of using MTI to quantify pancreatic fibrosis preoperatively and predict the risk of clinically relevant pancreatic fistula (CR-POPF) after DP. Approach: We retrospectively analyzed magnetization transfer ratio (MTR) at the surgical margin in 65 patients, comparing the MTR among non-fistula, biochemical fistula, and CR-POPF groups. Results: MTR were significantly lower in the CR-POPF group compared to other groups. MTI demonstrates promise as a non-invasive tool for predicting CR-POPF. Impact: Magnetization transfer imaging (MTI) provides a non-invasive method for predicting clinically relevant pancreatic fistula after distal pancreatectomy, aiding in the identification of high-risk patients and enabling early intervention strategies to improve postoperative outcomes.