Abstract: Objective To compare the value of computed tomography(CT)scan and magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)in the diagnosis of pancreatic cystadenocarcinoma. Methods The clinical data of 160 patients with suspected pancreatic cystadenocarcinoma was retrospectively analyzed and they all underwent CT and MRI examinations. Using the pathological examination result as the “gold standard”, the value of the two examination methods in diagnosing pancreatic cystadenocarcinoma was compared, and the examination time was recorded. Results Among 160 patients with suspected pancreatic cystadenocarcinoma, a total of 50 patients were diagnosed as pancreatic cystadenocarcinoma after pathological examination, the remaining 110 cases were benign tumors. Pancreatic cystadenocarcinoma was detected in 45 cases by CT, and in 48 cases by MRI. The accuracy, specificity, sensitivity, negative predictive value and positive predictive value of MRI examination were slightly higher than those by CT examination, but the difference showed no significant difference(P>0.05). CT findings of pancreatic cystadenocarcinoma showed that low-density cystic masses, nodules or linear divisions in the capsule were seen, and the capsule wall was clear, substantial tissue could be seen in some capsules of patients. MRI findings showed that patients presented low to medium signals on T1 weighted image, and equal or high signals on T2 weighted image. The signals of capsule wall nodule and solid part of cyst were similar to that of soft tissue, and the enhanced scan of the cyst wall and the solid part showed moderate to obvious enhancement. Conclusion Both CT and MRI are of high value in the diagnosis of pancreatic cystadenocarcinoma, and each has its own advantages. In addition, - the imaging features of the lesion can be fully displayed, which can provide a reference for clinical diagnosis.