Innocuous gas collections in pancreatic allografts demonstrated by computed tomography

Over a 4-year period, 6 pancreatic abscesses were found in 37 patients who had combined renal and segmental pancreatic transplants. An additional 4 patients who were nontoxic at the time of their computed tomographic (CT) examinations had innocuous gas collections, either in the pancreatic allograft or the surrounding peripancreatic tissue. The possible etiology of this gas formation is discussed. These collections do not have the same ominous clinical significance as would be expected in abscess formation. Radiological evaluation should include examination of the gastrointestinal tract and voiding cystograms to detect fistula formation. Simultaneous percutaneous aspiration of this area should be performed to rule out an infective process. If this is negative in a nontoxic transplant patient, the radiologist will be in a position to obviate unnecessary surgical intervention.     

Ultrasonic characteristics of pancreatic tumors

The ultrasonic features of 40 pancreatic tumors were analyzed. The tumors were categorized by texture, attenuation, shape, size, and location. Secondary effects of pancreatic duct visualization, biliary stasis, splenic vein involvement, metastases, and ascites were reviewed. Thirty of thirty-one adenocarcinomas had a similar ultrasonic texture consisting of a background of faint, low-level echoes with varying amounts of superimposed coarse echoes. Tumors are detectable prior to enlargement or distortion of the pancreas. Secondary features were present in 94% of the adenocarcinomas. Significant information regarding the possibility and complexity of resection can be provided.     

Angiographic evaluation of the abnormal endoscopic pancreatogram

Out of 1,269 pancreatograms, 122 were abnormal. Angiography was performed in these patients. Fifty-five were found to have pancreatic carcinoma. In the remaining 67 patients a false positive angiographic diagnosis of either chronic pancreatitis or pancreatic cancer was made in 11%. In one patient a hemangioma was diagnosed as a pancreatic cyst. The remaining 58 patients all had normal pancreatic angiograms in spite of gross ductal abnormality on endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). All these patients were followed for an average of 19 months and showed no clinical evidence of pancreatic disease. It is suggested that angiography should be considered a complementary examination to ERCP and is particularly useful to exclude carcinoma when the pancreatogram is abnormal.     

Carcinoid tumors of the pancreas: CT findings

Computed tomographic (CT) and ultrasound (US) findings in four cases of carcinoid tumors of the pancreas are reported. Differential diagnosis with other endocrine and nonendocrine pancreatic tumors is discussed. CT and US techniques play an important role in diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of these tumors.     

Papillary cystic neoplasm of the pancreas: Radiological findings

We report a series of 10 papillary cystic neoplasms of the pancreas evaluated in our institution. The lesions are analyzed in retrospect to define the existence of eventual specific imaging patterns as well as to point out the existing problems of differential diagnosis versus other pancreatic tumors.     

选择性血管造影诊断胰腺肿瘤的临床应用价值

目的:探讨血管造影诊断胰腺肿瘤的临床应用价值。材料与方法:临床疑为胰腺良性肿瘤6例和恶性肿瘤5例共11例进行选择性血管造影。结果:血管造影7例阳性,4例阴性,与手术病理结果相符合。结论:选择性血管造影是诊断胰腺良性肿瘤的一种可靠方法。对小胰岛索瘤的定位诊断有独到之处。对胰腺癌手术可切除性的估价有一定帮助。     

Pancreatic transplants: secretin-stimulated MR pancreatography

Background

Our study was aimed to evaluate the functional status of pancreatic transplants using dynamic MR pancreatography after secretin stimulation.

Methods

Thirteen asymptomatic patients previously submitted to isolated pancreas (n = 6) or combined kidney–pancreas (n = 7) transplantation, with enteric-portal pancreatic drainage, underwent MR examination at 1.5 T using a phased-array coil. After the acquisition of axial and coronal T1- and T2-weighted sequences, dynamic MR pancreatography was performed using a coronal breath-hold, thick-slab (40–60 mm), single-shot T2-weighted fast spin-echo sequence. After the intravenous administration of secretin (Secrelux^®, Sanochemia; 1 cU/kg body/weight), a single-slice image acquisition was repeated every 30 s up to 15 min. We estimated the calibre changes of the pancreatic ductal system and the filling of the donor’s duodenum on the basis of pancreatic secretion after secretin stimulation, also evaluated by using a mean signal intensity/time histogram in a chosen region of interest including the transplanted pancreas and the connected small bowel.

Results

All patients well tolerated the examination, and no side effects were reported after secretin administration. In 12/13 cases, a significant increase (more than 1 mm) in the diameter of the mean pancreatic duct was observed after secretin stimulation; in all patients, a noticeable filling of the duodenal graft was demonstrated during dynamic MR pancreatography on both qualitative and quantitative analyses.

Conclusions

Dynamic MR imaging after secretin administration allows non-invasive evaluation of exocrine function of the pancreatic transplants and could be used to differentiate patients with graft rejection from those with normal graft function.

     

Helical CT anatomy of pancreatic arteries

Background: To assess the frequency of visualization of pancreatic arteries in the arterial phase of helical computed tomography (CT). Methods: The visibility of pancreatic and peripancreatic arteries in helical CT images was evaluated in 20 consecutive patients who had no evidence of pancreatic disease. CT examinations were performed by using a continuously rotating CT scanner and intravenous injection of contrast media. The scans were taken 35 s after the start of injection and with a table speed of 3 mm/s. Images were reconstructed in 3-mm section increments. Results: Frequently visualized arteries were the gastroduodenal, anterior and posterior superior pancreaticoduodenal, and right gastroepiploic arteries. Infrequently visualized arteries were the dorsal pancreatic, pancreatica magna, caudal pancreatic, transverse pancreatic, and common, anterior, and posterior inferior pancreaticoduodenal arteries. Conclusion: Helical CT enabled us to recognize small pancreatic arteries, and the evaluation of these arteries should be considered in the staging of pancreatic carcinoma. Received: 6 June 1995/Accepted: 22 July 1995     

Non-beta islet cell tumor calcification associated with Zollinger-Ellison syndrome and multiple endocrine adenomatosis

The radiographic triad of a calcified pancreatic mass, duodenal ulcers, and nephrocalcinosis should suggest the Zollinger-Ellison syndrome as part of the multiple endocrine adenomatosis complex. The clinical and radiographic features of the entity are described in this case report.     

Ultrasonic demonstration of small pancreatic islet cell tumors

In three patients real-time sonography successfully localized small pancreatic islet cell tumors measuring 7, 8, and 17 mm in size. Ultrasound is suggested as the initial radiologic examination for localization of endocrine pancreatic tumors. If ultrasound is negative or equivocal, computerized tomography, arteriography, and pancreatic venous sampling are indicated.     

胰腺囊性肿瘤及肿瘤样病变CT诊断及鉴别

目的 探讨胰腺不同性质囊性病变的CT表现特点。方法 回顾性分析、横向对比32例胰腺常见不同性质囊性病变CT特点。所有病例均经CT平扫,23例于平扫后行增强扫描。所有病例经手术病理或随访证实。结果 胰腺浆液性囊腺瘤5例,粘液性囊腺瘤3例,囊腺癌3例,1例胰腺导管内乳头状粘液性肿瘤,2例胰腺真性囊肿,18例假性囊肿。结论 真性或假性囊肿结合病史,诊断不难;而浆液或粘液囊腺瘤与囊腺癌容易相互误诊,应仔细分析其CT表现特点。     

Agenesis and pseudo-agenesis of the dorsal pancreas

Agenesis of the dorsal pancreatic anlage is a very unusual congenital anomaly. The case reported appears to be accompanied by hypertrophy of the ventral gland. Atrophy of the pancreas following an episode of acute pancreatitis is also very unusual. When the atrophy spares the uncinate process, it may also resemble agenesis of the dorsal gland.     

Improved survival with early CT diagnosis of pancreatic abscess

Until recently pancreatic abscess was often a lethal complication of acute pancreatitis. A major factor contributing to this high mortality has been delay in diagnosis. When combined with diagnostic needle aspiration, computed tomography (CT) has greatly enhanced the early detection of pancreatic abscesses. In the past 5 years at our institutions 23 patients with proven pancreatic abscesses were evaluated early in their clinical course by CT. In follow-up ranging from 4 months to 4 1/2 years there were only 4 deaths: a mortality rate of 17%. Many of the surviving patients had a long and protracted clinical course (mean length of hospitalization, 58 days) and reoperation for recurrent abscess or gastrointestinal complications was required in 9 patients (39%). Computed tomography proved helpful both in localizing the site of de novo or recurrent pancreatic abscess and in detecting postoperative complications. An aggressive approach to early CT scanning with diagnostic needle aspiration appears to be a factor in the improved survival of these patients.     

Particular tumor of the pancreas: A case report

BACKGROUNDGranular cell tumor (GCT) of the pancreas is a rare neurogenic tumor. The first case of pancreatic GCT was described in 1975, and up to now, only 7 cases have been reported.CASE SUMMARYA 53-year-old male had a pancreatic mass for 1 mo. He was not treated at the local hospital, but referred to Henan Tumor Hospital for surgery. Preoperative imaging revealed a 2.0 cm × 2.5 cm-sized mass located in the body of the pancreas. At the microscopic level, a large number of eosinophilic particles are present in the oval tumor cells. The immunohistochemistry of this tumor cell display CD56 (+), blood vessels CD34 (+), Ki-67 (+) < 10%, and S-100 (+).CONCLUSIONGCT of the pancreas should be recognized as a preoperative differential diagnosis of pancreatic tumors. Surgical resection of the tumor should be attempted; however, GCT of the pancreas has a certain rate of tumor metastasis and recurrence. Therefore, GCT of the pancreas requires regular and long-term follow-up.     

Cystic tumors of the pancreas: Evaluation by ultrasonography and computed tomography

The personal series of 30 cystic tumors of the pancreas [12 serous cystic tumors (SCT) and 18 mucinous cystic tumors (MCT)] is presented. All neoplasms were evaluated with ultrasonography (US) 28 of 30 with computed tomography (CT); the tumoral histotype could be correctly defined in 73% of cases (seven of 12 SCT and 15 of 18 MCT). Percutaneous fine-needle aspiration (FNA) with diagnostic aims (preparation of cytological smears and/or biochemical assays) was performed in only 10 of 30 cases, yielding a 100% sensitivity; on the whole, the combined use of imaging modalities and FNA allowed correct characterization of the cystic tumors in 27 of 30 cases (90%). The usefulness of a precise diagnostic workup of these neoplasms is emphasized, due to their prognostic and therapeutic outcome.     

主胰管绕道征——胰腺神经内分泌肿瘤的一个重要MRI征象

目的探讨主胰管绕道征在胰腺神经内分泌肿瘤诊断中的应用价值。材料与方法回顾性搜集我院自2000年1月至2014年1月期间经手术病理证实的胰腺神经内分泌肿瘤患者26例和胰腺腺癌58例进行研究。所有患者均有术前MRI检查。原始数据传入MR后处理工作站,观察肿瘤的形态特征和信号特征,并着重观察肿瘤与主胰管的关系。结果胰腺神经内分泌肿瘤患者26例,瘤灶大小为(4.2±2.6)cm(0.8~9.0 cm),76.9%(20/26)的患者见主胰管绕道征,主胰管最大径为(2.1±1.1)mm(1~4 mm);主胰管扩张率为19.2%(5/26)、且为轻微扩张(5 mm)。58例胰腺癌患者主胰管绕道征出现率为0%(χ2=58.558,P=0.000);以主胰管绕道征诊断胰腺神经内分泌肿瘤的敏感度为76.9%(20/26)、特异度为100%(58/58)、阳性预测值为100%(20/20)、阴性预测值为90.6%(58/64)、准确度为92.8%(78/84)。结论主胰管绕道征是诊断胰腺神经内分泌肿瘤的一个重要MRI征象,且该征象有助于上述两类胰腺肿瘤的鉴别诊断。     

Lymphoepithelial cyst of the pancreas

Lymphoepithelial cyst of the pancreas is a rare lesion which may mimic a pancreatic pseudocyst or mucinous cystic neoplasm. To our knowledge, this lesion has never been reported in the radiologic literature. We present a patient with lymphoepithelial cyst of the pancreas, and we discuss the radiographic and pathologic findings.     

胰腺实性假乳头状瘤的超声特点与病理对照分析

目的 评价胰腺实性假乳头状瘤(SPTP)的超声表现特征与病理的相关性。方法 回顾性分析经手病理学检查证实的11例胰腺实性假乳头状瘤的超声影像资料,分析术前超声影像,包括肿块的位置、肿瘤囊性和实性成分、边缘、形态、直径、主胰管扩张、包膜和钙化等情况,并评价超声表现与病理的相关性。结果 11例SPTP患者均为女性,平均年龄34.5岁。肿瘤直径1.2～12cm;肿瘤位于胰腺体尾部6例,胰头2例,胰体2例,胰颈1例。6例呈囊实性,含纤维包膜,与周围正常胰腺分解清楚;5例呈实性,无包膜。4例显示钙化。多普勒显示4例含少量至中量血流。结论SPTP的超声表现反应其病理特征。青年女性胰腺囊实性肿瘤应考虑SPTP,但是较小的病变可能表现为实性,给诊断带来挑战。     

P T 螺旋CT对胰周小血管的显示及其临床意义

目的 研究胰周小血管的正常和异常表现,方法 对90例无胰腺及无胰周疾病,无门脉高压的患者和20例胰腺肿瘤的患者行螺旋CT双期扫描,横断面观测胰周小血管包括胰十二指肠后上静脉,胃结肠干,胰十二指肠前上静脉,胃网膜右静脉,胃十二指肠动脉,胰十指肠前上动脉的显示率,并测量其直径,将二者进行比较,结果 （1）两组胰周小血管显示其P＜0．05,两组平均直径比较,胰周小静脉P＜0．05;（2）肿瘤组共显示扩张小静脉13支,结论（1）正常胰周小血管直径有一定的正常值范围。（2）胰周小血管异常改变可帮助对胰腺肿瘤的早期诊断和分期。     

Ultrasound in acute pancreatic trauma

The ultrasound findings are reviewed in 4 patients with surgically proven acute pancreatic trauma. Despite technically adequate sonograms, pancreatic injuries were not prospectively diagnosed in any of the patients. Computed tomography (CT) performed shortly after ultrasound demonstrated changes of traumatic pancreatitis in each case. Because of the subtlety of the ultrasound findings, CT appears to be the preferred method for evaluating suspected pancreatic trauma.