CYSTIC TUMORS OF THE PANCREAS - DYNAMIC CT STUDIES

Objective: Our retrospective study was performed to reassess the commo n dynamic CT manifestations of cystic tumors of the pancreas and to de termine whether they might allow the differentiation between benign an d malignant tumors. Materials and Methods: Dynamic CT examinations of 19 patients with 20 cystic tumors of the pancreas, including 7 serous cystadenomas, 3 benign mucinous cystadenomas, 5 mucinous cystadenocarc inomas, 3 mucin-producing duct ectasias, and 2 papillary cystic epithe lial neoplasms, were retrospectively reviewed. The examinations were o btained with 4 to 5 mm collimation with intravenous injection of 120-1 30 ml of contrast agent. Results: Calcifications were found only in be nign tumors (seven serous cystadenomas). Internal septations were foun d in benign and malignant tumors (seven serous cystadenomas, three ben ign mucinous cystadenomas, three mucinous cystadenocarcinomas). Solid excrescences within cystic cavities were found only in malignant tumor s (two mucinous cystadenocarcinomas, two mucin-producing duct ectasias ). Dynamic CT features allowed the distinguishing of serous cystadenom as from other cystic tumors and mucin-producing duct ectasias from oth er mucinous tumors. Dynamic CT features did not permit differentiation between benign mucinous cystadenomas, mucinous cystadenocarcinomas, a nd papillary cystic epithelial neoplasms. Conclusion: The review sugge sts that dynamic CT findings are useful to differentiate (a) serous cy stadenomas and mucin-producing duct ectasias from other cystic tumors of the pancreas and (b) benign from malignant tumors. Such differentia tion has impact on patient management.