METASTASES OF THE PANCREAS - SONOGRAPHIC AND CT FINDINGS

We analysed sonographic (n = 19) and CT (n = 15) findings in 19 patien ts with intrapancreatic metastases (solitary: n = 8, multiple: n = 11) from solid tumours. The diagnosis was confirmed either histologically (n = 5) or by the follow-up showing decrease of the size of the lesio n due to chemotherapy (n = 3) or progression without specific therapy (n = 11). Clinically or serologically organ-related symptoms were foun d in 5 cases, whereas the rest of the patients were free of symptoms. Sonographically the metastases appeared hypoechogenic compared to norm al pancreatic parenchyma. In 15 cases CT at the time of sonographic in vestigation demonstrated hypodense intrapancreatic lesions (8/15) or b ulging of the organ contour without differences in density (2/15). In some patients (5/15) sonographically detected metastases measuring les s than 2 cm were not discovered via CT. In a patient with known malign ancy multiple intrapancreatic lesions must be considered as metastases . Differential diagnosis includes diffusely growing pancreatic carcino ma, haemorrhagic necrotising pancreatitis and focal infiltrates due to malignant lymphoma.