PRetreatment MRI for OCcult Liver Metastasis Assessment In Pancreatic Ductal adenocarcinoMa

Pancreatic cancer has a low survival rate largely due to late diagnosis and undetected liver metastases. Computed tomography (CT), the standard diagnostic tool, often misses occult metastases that are later discovered during surgery. Recent studies suggest that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), especially with diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), can better detect very small liver metastases and help avoid unnecessary surgery. However, MRI is not yet widely used in routine practice due to limited evidence and its selective application. This study proposes incorporating contrast-enhanced MRI and DWI into the diagnostic workflow to improve diagnostic accuracy and guide more effective treatment decisions for patients with pancreatic cancer.