Back to Authors

Tirkes, Temel

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0185-8741

A5075615898 | I4394709130

Mayo Clinic

Indiana University School of Medicine

Citations 7

Validation of the Semi-Quantitative MRI (SQ-MRI) Score as a Biomarker for Non-Calcific Chronic Pancreatitis in a Multicenter Cohort

No container title available | August 18, 2026 | Volume: No volume available | Issue: No issue available | Pages: No page available

10.21203/rs.3.rs-10504233/v1

Abstract Purpose Validate the semiquantitative (SQ)-MRI score for chronic pancreatitis (CP) diagnosis in an independent, multicenter cohort. Methods We analyzed MRIs performed at baseline in 337 participants with acute (AP) or recurrent AP (RAP) and 67 with non-calcific chronic pancreatitis (NCCP) enrolled in the PROCEED study from 6/2017 to 3/2023. MRIs were performed at multiple clinical centers using site-specific clinical protocols and a variety of MRI vendors to evaluate the SQ-MRI score in a real-world setting. The SQ-MRI score was calculated using the T1 signal intensity ratio of the pancreas to the spleen (T1 score), arteriovenous enhancement ratio (AVR), and pancreatic body diameter (PBD). We adjusted for confounding by participant characteristics via propensity score weighting. Results Median AVR was higher in AP/RAP (1.18, IQR: 0.97–1.44) than in the NCCP group (1.03, IQR: 0.78–1.22, p = 0.007). Pancreatic body diameters were larger in AP/RAP than in the NCCP group − 7–14 mm (10% vs 25%), 14–20 mm (40% vs 54%), and > 20 mm (50% vs 21%), respectively ( p < 0.01). Median T1 score was higher in AP/RAP (1.18, IQR: 0.96–1.40) than in the NCCP group (1.04, IQR: 0.86–1.32, p = 0.10). Median SQ-MRI score in the AP/RAP group was significantly lower, 1.91 (IQR: 0.97, 2.95), than in the NCCP group, 2.74 (IQR: 2.04–4.03) ( p < 0.001). The propensity score-adjusted AUC for SQ-MRI to distinguish AP/RAP from NCCP was 0.64, which was higher than for individual parameters. Conclusion We have validated the SQ-MRI score in a multicenter cohort using an independent, real-world MRI dataset.
Adult Chronic Pancreatitis Working Group: Goals, Accomplishments and the Path Ahead. A Report From the Consortium for the Study of Chronic Pancreatitis, Diabetes, and Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreas | June 25, 2026 | Volume: 55 | Issue: 7 | Pages: e791-e800

10.1097/mpa.0000000000002657 | PMID 42348838

The adult chronic pancreatitis (CP) working group, formed at the inception of the Consortium for the Study of Chronic Pancreatitis, Diabetes, and Pancreatic Cancer (CPDPC), has developed a robust framework and infrastructure to conduct clinical, translational, and mechanistic studies of CP. At its core is PRO spective Evaluation of C hronic Pancreatitis for E pid E miologic and Translational Stu D ies (PROCEED), the first longitudinal cohort study of CP in US adults, launched in 2017. PROCEED has developed a well-annotated clinical data set of over 2000 deeply-phenotyped participants, a biorepository and an imaging repository. Investigators have published promising data on blood-based and imaging-based biomarkers of CP diagnosis and pain, which are awaiting validation. Clinical observations include classification of patients into mechanism-based pain phenotypes using responses to PROMIS questionnaires, prevalence and predictors of opioid use, prevalence of psychological comorbidity, and osteopathy in CP patients. Pilot clinical trials have evaluated the effect of oral indomethacin on pancreatic fluid prostaglandin E2 levels and Internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for chronic pain. Results of pilot trials have led to an ongoing definitive randomized clinical trial for CBT. The rich environment and resources have facilitated mentorship and academic development of many early-stage investigators. Investigators outside of the consortium have opportunities for collaboration. In the next 5 years, the working group plans to further strengthen the research platform, complete primary and key secondary analyses of PROCEED and ancillary studies, continue efforts to develop biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis of CP, and complete ongoing clinical trials to address unanswered questions in the field.
Advances for Managing Pancreatic Cystic Lesions: Integrating Imaging and AI Innovations

Cancers | December 23, 2024 | Volume: 16 | Issue: 24 | Pages: 4268

10.3390/cancers16244268 | PMID 39766167

Pancreatic cystic lesions (PCLs) represent a spectrum of non-neoplasms and neoplasms with varying malignant potential, posing significant challenges in diagnosis and management. While some PCLs are precursors to pancreatic cancer, others remain benign, necessitating accurate differentiation for optimal patient care. Conventional approaches to PCL management rely heavily on radiographic imaging, and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) guided fine-needle aspiration (FNA), coupled with clinical and biochemical data. However, the observer-dependent nature of image interpretation and the complex morphology of PCLs can lead to diagnostic uncertainty and variability in patient management strategies. This review critically evaluates current PCL diagnosis and surveillance practices, showing features of the different lesions and highlighting the potential limitations of conventional methods. We then explore the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to transform PCL management. AI-driven strategies, including deep learning algorithms for automated pancreas and lesion segmentation, and radiomics for analyzing heterogeneity, can improve diagnostic accuracy and risk stratification. These advanced techniques can provide more objective and reproducible assessments, aiding clinicians in decision-making regarding follow-up intervals and surgical interventions. Early results suggest that AI-driven methods can significantly improve patient outcomes by enabling earlier detection of high-risk lesions and reducing unnecessary procedures for benign cysts. Finally, this review emphasizes that AI-driven approaches could potentially reshape the landscape of PCL management, ultimately leading to improved pancreatic cancer prevention.
Multiparametric MRI Scoring System of the Pancreas for the Diagnosis of Chronic Pancreatitis

Journal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging | September 3, 2024 | Volume: 61 | Issue: 5 | Pages: 2183-2194

10.1002/jmri.29594 | PMID 39225586

BackgroundDuctal features alone may not offer high diagnostic sensitivity or most accurate disease severity of chronic pancreatitis (CP).PurposeDiagnose CP based on multiparametric MRI and MRCP features.Study TypeProspective.PopulationBetween February 2019 and May 2021, 46 control (23 males, 49.3 ± 14.1 years), 45 suspected (20 males, 48.7 ± 12.5 years), and 46 definite (20 males, 53.7 ± 14.6 years) CP patients were enrolled at seven hospitals enrolled in the MINIMAP study. CP classification was based on imaging findings and clinical presentation.Field Strength and Sequences1.5 T. T1‐weighted (T1W) spoiled gradient echo, T1 map with variable flip angle, dual‐echo Dixon, secretin‐enhanced MRCP before and after secretin infusion.AssessmentDual‐echo fat fraction (FF), T1 relaxation time, extracellular volume (ECV), T1 signal intensity ratio of the pancreas to the spleen (T1 score), arterial‐to‐venous enhancement ratio (AVR), pancreatic tail diameter (PTD), pancreas volume, late gadolinium enhancement, pancreatic ductal elasticity (PDE), and duodenal filling grade of secretin‐enhanced MRCP were measured.Statistical TestsLogistic regression analysis generated CP‐MRI and secretin‐enhanced CP‐SMRI scores. Receiver operating characteristics analysis was used to differentiate definite CP from control. Interobserver agreement was assessed using Lin's concordance correlation coefficient.ResultsCompared to control, definite CP cohort showed significantly higher dual‐echo FF (7% vs. 11%), lower AVR (1.35 vs. 0.85), smaller PTD (2.5 cm vs. 1.95 cm), higher ECV (28% vs. 38%), and higher incidence of PDE loss (6.5% vs. 50%). With the cut‐off of >2.5 CP‐MRI score (dual‐echo FF, AVR, and PTD) and CP‐SMRI score (dual‐echo FF, AVR, PTD, and PDE) had cross‐validated area under the curves of 0.84 (sensitivity 87%, specificity 68%) and 0.86 (sensitivity 89%, specificity 67%), respectively. Interobserver agreement for both CP‐MRI and CP‐SMRI scores was 0.74.ConclusionThe CP‐MRI and CP‐SMRI scores yielded acceptable performance and interobserver agreement for the diagnosis of CP.Evidence Level1Technical EfficacyStage 2
Rationale and Design for the Diabetes RElated to Acute Pancreatitis and Its Mechanisms Study

Pancreas | October 7, 2022 | Volume: 51 | Issue: 6 | Pages: 568-574

10.1097/mpa.0000000000002079 | PMID 36206460

Abstract Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a disease characterized by an acute inflammatory phase followed by a convalescent phase. Diabetes mellitus (DM) was historically felt to be a transient phenomenon related to acute inflammation; however, it is increasingly recognized as an important late and chronic complication. There are several challenges that have prevented precisely determining the incidence rate of DM after AP and understanding the underlying mechanisms. The DREAM (Diabetes RElated to Acute Pancreatitis and its Mechanisms) Study is a prospective cohort study designed to address these and other knowledge gaps to provide the evidence needed to screen for, prevent, and treat DM after AP. In the following article, we summarize literature regarding the epidemiology of DM after AP and provide the rationale and an overview of the DREAM study.
Secretin-Enhanced MRCP: How and Why—AJR Expert Panel Narrative Review

American Journal of Roentgenology | December 2, 2020 | Volume: 216 | Issue: 5 | Pages: 1139-1149

10.2214/ajr.20.24857 | PMID 33263419

PROspective Evaluation of Chronic Pancreatitis for EpidEmiologic and Translational StuDies

Pancreas | October 16, 2018 | Volume: 47 | Issue: 10 | Pages: 1229-1238

10.1097/mpa.0000000000001170 | PMID 30325862

Abstract Prospective Evaluation of Chronic Pancreatitis for Epidemiologic and Translational Studies (PROCEED) is the first prospective, observational cohort study of chronic pancreatitis (CP) in the United States. The primary goals of PROCEED are to define disease progression, test the predictive capability of candidate biomarkers, and develop a platform to conduct translational and mechanistic studies in CP. Using objective and consensus-driven criteria, PROCEED will enroll adults at different stages of CP—controls, suspected CP, and definite CP. In addition to collecting detailed information using structured case report forms and protocol-mandated evaluations at baseline and during follow-up, PROCEED will establish a linked biorepository of blood, urine, saliva, stool, pancreatic fluid, and pancreatic tissue. Enrollment for PROCEED began in June 2017. As of July 1, 2018, nine clinical centers of the Consortium for the Study of Chronic Pancreatitis, Diabetes, and Pancreatic Cancer are enrolling, and 350 subjects have completed baseline evaluation. In conclusion, PROCEED will provide the most accurate and reliable estimates to date on progression of CP. The established cohort and biorepository will facilitate numerous analyses, leading to new strategies for diagnosis, methods to monitor disease progression, and treatment of CP.