CT FINDINGS IN GROOVE PANCREATITIS - CORRELATION WITH HISTOPATHOLOGICAL FINDINGS

Objective: To clarify the CT characteristics of groove pancreatitis, w hich is a segmental form of chronic pancreatitis. Materials and Method s: The CT findings in four patients with proved groove pancreatitis we re reviewed retrospectively. The examinations consisted of plain CT, d ynamic CT, and high dose enhancement CT in each patient. Correlation b etween the CT findings and the resected specimens was performed in thr ee patients.Results: In every patient a mass was detected in the head of the pancreas that involved the duodenum. Dynamic CT demonstrated a poorly enhancing lesion extending between the pancreatic head and the duodenum. Cysts in the duodenal wall and/or the groove and duodenal st enosis due to wall thickening were seen in four and three patients, re spectively. These CT findings reflect the histological characteristics of this disease. Conclusion: Computed tomography, including dynamic s tudy, can demonstrate the characteristic findings of groove pancreatit is and suggest the diagnosis.