Multidetector Computed Tomographic features of uncommon pancreatic masses

Research article Multidetector Computed Tomographic features of uncommon pancreatic masses. Chhaya J Bhatt*, Kavita Vaishnav** *Associate Professor,**Assistant Professor, Dept of Radiology and Imaging Smt NHL Municipal Medical College,Ahmedabad Abstract: Aim: Adenocarcinoma is the commonest malignant mass whereas pseudocyst is the commonest benign mass in the pancreas. However our aim is to highlight multidetector computed tomographic (MDCT) features of uncommon masses so as to diagnose them correctly. Material and Methods-20 patients were studied during July 2011 to December 2012. Plain and intravenous contrast scan with arterial and portal venous phases were obtained. Masses were classified as solid or cystic and diagnosis was confirmed by correlating with clinical findings, FNAC or postoperatively. Results-M: F-1:1.2. Age group-16-75yrs. Masses classified as solid in 8 patients (40%) and cystic in 12 (60%). Solid masses included neuroendocrinal tumors (62.5%); metastasis (25%) and chronic inflammatory mass (12.5%). Cystic masses were mucinous cystadenoma (37.3%), serous cystadenoma (25%), simple cyst (16.6%), intraductal papillary mucinous tumor, pancreatic tuberculosis and mucinous cystadenomacarcinoma in 8.3% each. Cystic masses were common in females 64.4% as compared to 55.5% in males. Pancreatic endocrine masses were characteristically hypervascular on arterial phase. Metastasis was seen from renal cell carcinoma and lung mass. Mucinous cystadenoma were the commonest cystic masses measuring more than10-12 cms with multiple septa, internal cyst varying <6-7 in number and size >2cms. Serous cystadenoma were approximately 5-6 cms in size with small internal cysts <2cms with septations. Cysts associated with syndromes like von Hippel Lindau and polycystic kidney disease and pancreatic tuberculosis was seen in one patient each. Conclusion: Uncommon pancreatic masses have characteristic features which help in triage and prognosis of the patients.