Assessment of vascular invasion in pancreatic carcinoma by MDCT

Background

Pancreatic cancer is one of the aggressive cancers with poor resectability and survival rates. The relationship to adjacent vessels must be assessed before deciding the choice of treatment.

Aim

Assessment of the MDCT signs of arterial and venous invasion in pancreatic carcinoma.

Subjects and methods

Total of 179 of the major peripancreatic vessels (CA; CHA; SMA; PV; SMV) in 47 patients who underwent surgery for pancreatic cancer after MDCT were assessed at surgery and compared with CT findings. Statistical analysis of the findings was done using Chi square test.

Results

115 vessels were not invaded at surgery, while the remaining 64 vessels were invaded (22 arteries and 42 veins). There was over all statistically significant difference between arterial and venous invasion regarding stenosis, occlusion, infiltration and circumferential involvement of the vessel wall.

Conclusion

Assessment of vascular invasion is crucial in the evaluation of resectability for pancreatic cancer. MDCT is an accurate diagnostic tool for peripancreatic vascular invasion in cancer pancreas.