Diffusion-weighted MRI: new paradigm for the diagnosis of interstitial oedematous pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis (AP) represents an acute, non-infectious inflammatory process affecting the pancreatic gland. The pathophysiology of AP involves an inappropriate activation of trypsinogen and other digestive and proteolytic enzymes, which causes damage to acinar cells and release of cytokines and vasoactive mediators, ultimately leading to oedema and apoptosis of pancreatic tissue.