胰腺及胰周血管强化的多层螺旋CT研究

目的　探讨多层螺旋CT增强扫描胰腺及胰周血管强化的最佳时相及扫描方案。资料与方法　采用多层螺旋CT对 19例胰腺正常的患者行动脉期、胰腺期及门脉期三期扫描 ,比较胰腺、肠系膜上动脉 (SMA)和肠系膜上静脉 (SMV)在三期图像上的强化程度 ,以及观察胰周小血管的充盈显影情况。结果　胰腺期胰腺强化程度最大 ,高于动脉期和门脉期 (P <0 .0 0 1)。SMA于动脉期强化程度最大 ,其次为胰腺期 ,两者差别无统计学意义 (P >0 .0 5 ) ,但两者均高于门脉期 (P <0 .0 0 1)。SMV于胰腺期强化程度最大 ,高于动脉期和门脉期 (P <0 .0 5 )。胰腺期胰周小动脉和小静脉均能得到较好充盈显影。结论　胰腺及胰周血管在胰腺期获得最大程度强化和充盈显影 ,胰腺CT增强扫描最佳扫描方案为胰腺期和门脉期双期扫描。如需行CTA时 ,多层螺旋CT可行三期扫描     

Pancreatic-phase versus portal vein-phase helical CT of the pancreas: optimal temporal window for evaluation of pancreatic adenocarcinoma

OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to use helical CT to compare the enhancement attenuation values of pancreatic adenocarcinoma, adjacent normal pancreas, and critical vascular structures during the pancreatic phase and portal vein phase. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Forty-one patients with pathologically proven pancreatic adenocarcinoma underwent dual-phase thin-section dynamic helical CT using a pancreatic-phase and portal vein-phase protocol. The scan delay after initiation of the contrast bolus was 40 sec for the pancreatic phase and 70 sec for the portal vein phase. Attenuation values after i.v. contrast administration were calculated during both phases of scanning for normal pancreas, pancreatic tumor, celiac axis, superior mesenteric artery, superior mesenteric vein, splenic vein, and portal vein. Quantitative values were assessed using regions of interest. RESULTS: Mean differences of enhancement between tumor and normal pancreas were significantly greater in the pancreatic phase (57 H) than the portal vein phase (35 H) (p = .0001). Enhancement values of all the critical vascular structures were also significantly greater in the pancreatic phase than the portal vein phase (p < .001). CONCLUSION: With dynamic thin-section helical CT, pancreatic-phase scanning provides greater differences in contrast enhancement between normal pancreas and pancreatic tumor and between pancreatic tumors and surrounding critical vascular structures than does portal vein-phase scanning.     

Pancreatic malignancy: value of arterial, pancreatic, and hepatic phase imaging with multi-detector row CT

PURPOSE: To assess the value of arterial, pancreatic, and hepatic phase imaging at multi-detector row computed tomography (CT) of the pancreas for pancreatic malignancy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-nine patients suspected of having resectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma underwent triple-phase multi-detector row CT. Images obtained during each phase were interpreted by one radiologist who evaluated presence of tumor, vascular invasion, and flow artifacts in the superior mesenteric vein and measured attenuation of tumor, normal pancreas, aorta, and superior mesenteric vein. Results were compared with histologic, follow-up, and correlative imaging findings. RESULTS: Mean tumor-to-gland attenuation difference was greatest on images obtained in the pancreatic phase (42 HU) versus that on those obtained in the hepatic phase (35 HU) and in the arterial phase (25 HU). For tumor detection, sensitivity of the images obtained in pancreatic (0.97 [29 of 30]) and hepatic (0.93 [28 of 30]) phases was superior to that of those obtained in arterial phase (0.63 [19 of 30]) (P < or =.008). For vascular invasion detection, sensitivity of images obtained in the hepatic phase (0.83) was better than that of those obtained in the pancreatic (0.58) and arterial (0.25) phases. Images obtained in the pancreatic phase demonstrated more flow artifacts and decreased attenuation in the superior mesenteric vein, compared with the artifacts revealed on images obtained in the hepatic phase. CONCLUSION: Routine acquisition of images in the arterial phase is unnecessary for detection of pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Images of the pancreas obtained in the hepatic phase with multi-detector row CT most accurately display vascular invasion.     

Multidetector CT of the liver and hepatic neoplasms: effect of multiphasic imaging on tumor conspicuity and vascular enhancement

OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to determine which of three contrast-enhanced phases (early arterial, late arterial, or portal venous) was optimal for achieving maximal enhancement of the celiac artery, portal vein, and hepatic parenchyma. We also wanted to learn which phase provided the maximal tumor-to-parenchyma difference when using multidetector CT (MDCT) with fixed timing delays. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-two patients with suspected or known hepatic tumors underwent multiphasic contrast-enhanced MDCT using double arterial (early and late arterial) and venous phase acquisitions with fixed timing delays. All patients were administered 150 mL of IV contrast material at an injection rate of 4 mL/sec. Images were acquired at 20 sec for the early arterial phase, 35 sec for the late arterial phase, and 60 sec for the portal venous phase. Attenuation measurements of the celiac artery, portal vein, normal hepatic parenchyma, and the hepatic tumor were compared. Three reviewers independently and subjectively rated tumor conspicuity for each of the three phases. Ratings were compared using kappa statistics. RESULTS: Late arterial phase images showed maximal celiac axis attenuation, whereas portal venous phase images revealed the highest portal vein and normal hepatic parenchymal attenuation. Maximal tumor-to-parenchyma differences for hypovascular tumors was superior in the portal venous phase, but we found no significant differences in maximal tumor-to-parenchyma differences for hypervascular tumors among the evaluated phases. On subjective analysis, interobserver agreement was moderate to very good for the three phases. All three reviewers graded both hypovascular and hypervascular tumor conspicuity as superior in either the late arterial phase or the portal venous phase in most patients. In only one patient was the early arterial phase graded as superior to the late arterial and portal venous phases (by two of the three reviewers). CONCLUSION: When MDCT of the liver is performed using fixed timing delays, maximal vascular and hepatic parenchymal enhancement is achieved on either late arterial phase or portal venous phase imaging. In most patients, early arterial phase imaging does not improve tumor conspicuity by either quantitative or subjective analysis.     

Local extension of pancreatic carcinoma: assessment with thin-section helical CT versus with breath-hold fast MR imaging--ROC analysis.

PURPOSE: To compare contrast material-enhanced thin-section helical CT with breath-hold contrast-enhanced MR imaging for sensitivity in the detection of pancreatic adenocarcinoma and for accuracy in local tumor staging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-seven patients (37 men, 20 women aged 42-28 years) suspected of having pancreatic adenocarcinoma were examined. The final diagnosis was confirmed at surgery to be pancreatic cancer in 31 patients; the other 26 patients were deemed not to have pancreatic cancer. All patients underwent both CT and MR imaging (turbo spin-echo and fast low-angle shot) studies. Image quality and pancreatic enhancement were subjectively evaluated. All CT scans and MR images were assessed by two independent observers by using a five-point scale for the detection of tumor and of invasion into the peripancreatic tissue, portal vein, and/or peripancreatic artery. Receiver operating characteristic curves for CT and MR imaging were analyzed. RESULTS: At visual analysis, pancreatic enhancement at CT and at MR imaging was comparable, but depiction of vessels was superior at helical CT. Detectability of tumor was comparable. Helical CT was significantly superior to MR imaging in diagnostic imaging of invasion into the peripancreatic tissue, portal vein, and/or peripancreatic artery (P < .01). CONCLUSION: Thin-section dynamic CT is more sensitive than MR imaging for detection of peripancreatic and vascular invasion in patients with pancreatic cancer.     

多层螺旋CT多期增强扫描及后处理对胰岛素瘤的评价

目的:探讨多层螺旋CT(MSCT)多期扫描及后处理对胰岛素瘤检出的价值。方法:13例手术证实的胰岛素瘤均行MSCT平扫及三期增强扫描,观察各期肿瘤增强程度及检出率。结果:13例CT平扫肿瘤均为等密度,动脉期及门脉期肿瘤与胰腺实质密度差为24HU与29HU,动脉期、门脉期及实质期肿瘤的检出率分别为84%、100%及62%。结论:MSCT多期成像对胰岛素瘤诊断具有重要价值,门脉期在检出肿瘤方面略优于动脉期扫描,MSCT薄层扫描及其后处理技术有助于显示肿瘤的空间位置及其与血管的关系。     

多层螺旋CT三期扫描在胰腺癌诊断和分期中的价值

目的 评价多层螺旋CT三期扫描在胰腺癌诊断和分期中的价值。方法 对临床拟诊的胰腺癌患28例行动脉期，胰腺期，肝脏期三期扫描，延迟时间分别为20s,38s和75s。与病理结果对照，分析其诊断及可切除性评价的正确性。结果 28例CT诊断的胰腺癌中，26例正确诊断，诊断正确率为93%，2例因淋巴结转移不可切除的肿瘤，术前CT诊断为可以切除，其余24例均正确分期。结论 多层螺旋CT三期扫描以提供极好的影像质量在胰腺癌诊断和可是切除性评价方面具有重要价值。     

Three-phase CT examination of the pancreatobiliary region using multislice CT with 1-mm collimation

PURPOSE: To evaluate the degree of contrast enhancement and accuracy of imaging of the circulatory phase in the first-pass, second-pass, and third-pass acquisitions in the pancreato-biliary region with 1-mm collimation obtained by multislice computed tomography (CT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 53 patients, two sequential acquisitions from the porta hepatis to the pancreas were performed during a single breath-hold, followed by a third-pass acquisition including the liver beginning 15 sec after the second-pass acquisition. Contrast enhancement in each acquisition was measured in the aorta, portal vein and its branches, and pancreas. Four experienced radiologists graded using four-point scoring whether or not each acquisition was appropriate for imaging of the arterial phase, pancreatic phase, and portal venous phase. RESULTS: Aortic enhancement was highest at the beginning of the second-pass acquisition. The portal and splenic veins and pancreas showed maximum enhancement in the second-pass acquisition, while the superior mesenteric vein showed maximum enhancement in the third-pass acquisition. In the visual assessment, significantly higher grades were achieved in the first-pass, second-pass, and third-pass acquisitions with regard to imaging of the arterial phase, pancreatic phase, and portal venous phase, respectively. CONCLUSION: Multislice CT permits the acquisition of three distinct circulatory phases (arterial, pancreatic, and portal venous phases) in the pancreatobiliary region with 1-mm collimation.     

Secretin-assisted CT of the pancreas: improved pancreatic enhancement and tumour conspicuity

PURPOSE: The primary aim of this prospective pilot study was to determine if the administration of intravenous secretin prior to contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) improves pancreatic enhancement and pancreatic tumor conspicuity. The second aim was to determine the optimal timing for secretin administration prior to contrast-enhanced CT. METHODS: Local ethics committee approval was obtained. 35 patients (18 men, 17 women; mean age, 67.6 years; age range; 25 to 86 years) with known or suspected pancreatic malignancy or an abdominal malignancy underwent a helical CT of the pancreas. The pancreas was first localised on an unenhanced scan using 10mm sections. Following 120 ml of intravenous 300 mg/ml of non ionic contrast medium (CM), injected at a rate of 5 ml/s, images of the pancreas (3mm slice thickness) and liver (8mm slice thickness) were obtained at 40 and 70 seconds respectively. A second CT was obtained 1-5 days after the first one using the same CT and intravenous contrast medium injection parameters. However 100 IU of secretin was given as an intravenous bolus between 0 and 5 min prior to intravenous contrast medium administration. Each patient acted as their own control. The attenuation in Hounsfield Units (HU) was recorded on non-contrast, pancreatic phase and portal venous phases for both secretin and non-secretin CTs, in the pancreas and pancreatic tumors (where present). Tumor conspicuity was calculated (in the 19 patients with pancreatic adenocarcinomas) by subtracting pancreatic tumor attenuation from pancreatic attenuation. Statistical evaluation comparing pre and post secretin enhancement was performed using matched paired t-tests. RESULTS: A significant increase in pancreatic enhancement was observed when secretin was injected at 2 to 3 min before contrast material injection (the increase in pancreatic density following secretin at 2 min was 31.5+/-10 HU (29.2%) (p=.035); and at 3 min was 23.2+/-7.8 HU (22.7%) (p=.041). Pancreatic tumor conspicuity in the pancreatic phase was most marked when secretin was injected between 2 to 4 min before contrast medium, with 4 min showing a statistically significant increase in tumor conspicuity, 48.2+/-14.2 HU (p=.04). CONCLUSION: Imaging in the pancreatic phase 2 to 4 min after administration of intravenous secretin leads to greater enhancement of the pancreas with greater tumor conspicuity, than imaging without secretin.     

非功能性胰岛细胞瘤的多层CT表现

目的:探讨CT诊断非功能性胰岛细胞瘤的多排CT表现。方法:对12例病理证实的非功能胰岛细胞瘤的CT平扫及增强图像进行分析。结果:12例患者检出13个病灶。11个为实性病灶,2例为囊性,动脉期,7个病灶明显强化,3例轻度强化,1例与正常胰腺强化程度相似。门静脉期,4例为明显强化,7例位轻度强化。2例病灶始终为低密度。结论:多排CT对于非功能性胰岛细胞瘤的病灶检出及分期有很要得价值,可为手术提供重要的信息。     

多层螺旋CT技术在胰腺检查中的应用

目的：探讨多层螺旋CT技术在胰腺检查中的价值。方法：对正常志愿60例，胰腺炎16例，胰腺癌28例行多层螺旋CT检查。结果：多层螺旋CT清晰显示胰腺解剖结构和毗邻关系，双期扫描明显提高胰腺炎和胰腺癌CT诊断及胰腺癌可切除性的判断。结论：多层螺旋CT在胰腺疾病的诊断中有很高的价值。     

多层螺旋CT胰腺增强扫描：扫描方案的选择及对胰周血管的评价

目的：通过胰腺同层动态增强扫描,获得感兴趣区的时间-密度曲线,确定胰腺增强扫描的最佳延迟时间,并应用此扫描方案分析胰周血管的显示率。方法：①随机选择20例无胰腺疾病的患者进行胰腺同层动态增强扫描,获得感兴趣区的强化峰值及到达峰值时间;②随机选择40例无胰腺疾病的患者进行胰腺三期增强扫描,分析胰周血管的显示率。结果：①腹主动脉强化峰值时间约为30s,平均强化峰值为350．3HU,20s时平均CT值为316．7HU;门静脉强化峰值时间约为45s,胰腺实质强化峰值时间约为40s,肝脏实质强化峰值时间约为55s,曲线到达峰值后75s内处于平台期;②胰周主要动脉（CA、HA、SA、sMA）的显示率为100％（40／40）,除AIPDA以外的其它胰周小动脉显示率为75％～100％。胰周主要静脉（PV、SV、SMV）的显示率为100％（40／40）,除AIPDV以外的其它胰周小静脉显示率为75％-100％。结论：在注射剂量100ml,注射流率4ml／S时,建议多层螺旋CT胰腺增强扫描的延迟时间分别为动脉期20s,胰腺实质期45s,门静脉期或肝脏期70s。     

胰腺原发性类癌的CT表现

目的探讨胰腺原发性类癌的CT表现。方法回顾性分析经病理证实的5例胰腺类癌的CT表现。结果本组病例肿块最大径2．0—11．0cm，平均6．4cm。CT平扫肿瘤实质较胰腺稍低，密度均匀者2例，不均匀者3例，肿块钙化者1例。动脉期肿块不均匀明显强化者3例，轻度强化者2例，肿瘤实质密度均低于胰腺，有不同程度的坏死，其中1例中央坏死明显，无强化，整个肿块呈囊状；静脉期肿块强化程度明显，与胰腺相似或稍低；1例延迟期肿块强化程度高于胰腺。肝转移1例，同时伴腹膜后淋巴结肿大及血管侵犯。未见胆管及胰管扩张。结论胰腺类癌CT表现主要有较少引起胆道及胰管扩张，对周围血管较少累及，钙化较常见；增强后肿瘤实质明显强化，静脉期强化程度与胰腺相似，延迟期强化程度高于胰腺。     

Pancreatic portal cavernoma in patients with cavernous transformation of the portal vein: MR findings

The purpose of the article was to prospectively evaluate the MR findings of pancreatic portal cavernoma in a consecutive series of patients with cavernous transformation of the portal vein. This study was approved by the review board of our institution, and informed consent was obtained. The clinical and biological data and the MR imaging for 20 patients (11 female, 9 male; median age, 49 years) with cavernous transformation of the portal vein and no evidence of previous pancreatic disease were reviewed. The presence of pancreatic portal cavernoma (defined as intra- and/or peripancreatic portal cavernoma), morphological changes in the pancreas, biliary and ductal pancreatic abnormalities, and extension of the portal venous thrombosis were qualitatively assessed. Fifteen patients (75%) had pancreatic portal cavernoma with collateral formation in the pancreas and/or collaterals around the pancreas seen on dynamic contrast-enhanced MR sequences: three patients had both intra- and peripancreatic portal cavernoma, six had intrapancreatic portal cavernoma alone and six had peripancreatic portal cavernoma only. The presence of intra- or peripancreatic portal cavernoma was significantly associated with extension of the thrombosis to the splenic and superior mesenteric veins (p = 0.05). Morphological changes in the pancreas, heterogeneity on T2-weighted sequences and main ductal pancreatic abnormalities were seen in two, four and two patients, respectively. All these patients had intrapancreatic portal cavernoma. Bile duct dilatation was observed in 13 (65%) patients: among them three had extrahepatic dilatation only and these three patients had associated intrapancreatic portal cavernoma. In patients with cavernous transformation of the portal vein, intra- or peripancreatic portal cavernoma is common. In conclusion, intra- or peripancreatic portal cavernoma was only observed in patients with extension of the thrombosis to the splenic vein and/or the superior mesenteric vein.     

Alterations in hepatic perfusion resulting from splanchnic venous luminal compromise caused by pancreatic carcinoma

OBJECTIVE: We determined whether alterations in hepatic enhancement exist on dual phase helical CT of the liver in patients with splanchnic venous luminal compromise resulting from pancreatic adenocarcinoma. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We examined the extent of hepatic enhancement on dual phase helical CT in 22 patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Eleven patients had splanchnic venous luminal narrowing (flattening along at least 120 degrees of the circumference) of the superior mesenteric vein with (n = 3) or without (n = 8) portal vein involvement caused by tumor. In the remaining patients, splanchnic vasculature appeared normal. An additional 16 patients without pancreatic or hepatic abnormality who underwent dual phase helical CT served as control subjects. We compared the extent of arterial phase and portal venous phase enhancement among the three groups. RESULTS: The group of patients with splanchnic venous luminal compromise had significantly higher hepatic enhancement during the arterial phase (p < 0.01) and lower enhancement during the portal venous phase (p < 0.05) compared with the other two groups of patients. No significant difference in hepatic enhancement during either phase was noted between the control subjects and the patients with normal vasculature. CONCLUSION: Because hepatic enhancement correlates with perfusion, splanchnic venous luminal compromise resulting from pancreatic adenocarcinoma likely causes decreased portal venous flow and compensatory increased hepatic arterial flow. This finding supports other evidence of a homeostatic mechanism that maintains hepatic perfusion.     

电子束CT双期扫描定量估价胰腺增强程度

目的：定量估价电子束ＣＴ双期扫描胰腺的增强程度。材料和方法：１１０例可疑胰腺病变者（２６～７２岁）均行电子束ＣＴ检查。其中胰腺癌１５例，胰腺炎３例，胰腺外伤２例，正常胰腺９０例。应用高压注射器以３．５ｍｌ／秒（８０ｍｌ）和１０ｍｌ／秒（２０ｍｌ）速度注射Ｕｌｔｒａｖｉｓｔ１００ｍｌ，在注射造影剂后１８～２０秒和５５～６０秒，应用ＳＶＳ０．３秒序列扫描胰腺２０层，层厚６ｍｍ。于动静脉期测量胰腺头、体、尾ＣＴ值。结果：在动脉期胰腺增强的ＣＴ值为１０１Ｈｕ±８（标准差），静脉期为８１Ｈｕ±５。其中６１例（５５％）动脉期较静脉期ＣＴ值增高２０Ｈｕ以上；３８例（３４％）增高１０Ｈｕ以上；１１例（１０％）动脉期ＣＴ值低于静脉期。结论：胰腺动脉期扫描较静脉期可提供更详细的解剖结构，可更清楚显示胰腺癌对胰周的浸润，可提高检测胰腺内小病灶的准确性。     

胰腺癌胰周淋巴结转移分布特征的螺旋CT表现

目的:胰腺癌胰周淋巴结转移的分布特征及螺旋CT影像表现。方法:搜集经手术病理诊断为原发性胰腺癌45例,所有病例均经手术病理或影像标准诊断有胰周淋巴结转移。根据本组45例病例CT所反映的肿大淋巴结的分布情况,将胰周淋巴结分为8组。设定淋巴结的短径≥1.0cm为淋巴结转移阳性的影像表现。统计阳性淋巴结的出现率,重点观察淋巴结转移的部位、大小、数目、形态、密度、强化情况。结果:本组45例胰腺癌中,共计89个部位观察到淋巴结转移胰周转移淋巴结以腹腔动脉干组46.7%(21例),肠系膜根部组46.7%(21例),腹主动脉周围组35.6%(16例)为最多,胃周11.1%(5例)及脾动脉-脾门组13.3%(6例)最少。结论:胰腺癌转移所致肿大淋巴结主要分布在腹腔干、肠系膜根部以及腹主动脉周围。螺旋CT扫描检查可以较准确显示胰腺癌胰周淋巴结的转移情况。     

螺旋CT双期增强扫描在小胰腺癌诊断中的应用

目的　研究螺旋CT胰腺期、门脉期双期增强扫描在小胰腺癌早期诊断和正确分期中的作用。方法　对14例小胰腺癌患者行螺旋CT双期增强扫描,扫描延迟时间分别为30s和65s,对比剂用量100ml,注射速度3ml/s。观察并比较正常胰腺及肿瘤在两期的增强情况。根据CT征象对肿瘤可切除性进行评价,并与手术结果比较。结果　肿瘤-胰腺对比胰腺期和门脉期分别为(47.08±20.39)HU和(28.77±16.23)HU（t=2.533,P<0.01）。14例肿瘤中,术前认为可以切除11例,术中切除9例。结论　螺旋CT双期增强扫描能更清晰地显示小胰腺癌,胰腺期肿瘤-胰腺对比较门脉期更显著,有利于小胰腺癌的早期诊断和可切除性的判断。     

Multislice helical CT of the pancreas and spleen

Multislice helical CT (MSCT) with its multidetector technology and faster rotation times, has led to new dimensions in spatial and temporal resolution in CT imaging. In contrast to single-slice CT, smaller slice collimations can be applied that lead to almost isotropic voxels and allow high quality multiplanar and 3-D image reconstructions. The high speed of multislice CT can be used to reduce the time needed to cover a given volume, to increase the spatial resolution along the z-axis by applying thinner slice collimations, and to cover longer anatomic volumes. The speed of MSCT allows organ imaging in clearly defined perfusion phases, e.g. the arterial, parenchymal, and portal venous perfusion phases. Contrast agents with higher iodine concentrations (400 mg iodine per ml compared with 300 mg iodine per ml) lead to higher contrast enhancement of the pancreas (arterial+portal venous phases), the kidneys (arterial+portal venous phases), the spleen (arterial phase), the wall of the small intestine (arterial+portal venous phases), the larger and smaller arteries (arterial phase), and the portal vein (portal venous phase). All of these advancements lead to improved visualization of small structures and of various pathologies, such as pancreatic tumors, liver metastases, vessel infiltration, and vascular diseases.     

Effect of iodine concentration of contrast media on contrast enhancement in multislice CT of the pancreas

The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of two different iodine concentrations of the non-ionic contrast agent, Iomeprol, on contrast enhancement in multislice CT (MSCT) of the pancreas. To achieve this MSCT of the pancreas was performed in 50 patients (mean age 57+/-14 years) with suspected or known pancreatic tumours. The patients were randomly assigned to group A (n=25 patients) or group B (n=25 patients). There were no statistically significant differences in age, height or weight between the patients of the two groups. The contrast agent, Iomeprol, was injected with iodine concentrations of 300 mg ml(-1) in group A (130 ml, injection rate 5 ml s(-1)) and 400 mg ml(-1) in group B (98 ml, injection rate 5 ml s(-1)). Arterial and portal venous phase contrast enhancement (HU) of the vessels, organs, and pancreatic masses were measured and a qualitative image assessment was performed by two independent readers. In the arterial phase, Iomeprol 400 led to a significantly greater enhancement in the aorta, superior mesenteric artery, coeliac trunk, pancreas, pancreatic carcinomas, kidneys, spleen and wall of the small intestine than Iomeprol 300. Portal venous phase enhancement was significantly greater in the pancreas, pancreatic carcinomas, wall of the small intestine and portal vein with Iomeprol 400. The two independent readers considered Iomeprol 400 superior over Iomeprol 300 concerning technical quality, contribution of the contrast agent to the diagnostic value, and evaluability of vessels in the arterial phase. No differences were found for tumour delineation and evaluability of infiltration of organs adjacent to the pancreas between the two iodine concentrations. In conclusion the higher iodine concentration leads to a higher arterial phase contrast enhancement of large and small arteries in MSCT of the pancreas and therefore improves the evaluability of vessels in the arterial phase.