SEROUS CYSTADENOMA OF THE PANCREAS - REPORT OF 30 CASES WITH EMPHASISON THE IMAGING FINDINGS

Purpose: Our goal was to evaluate retrospectively 30 cases of serous c ystadenoma (SCA) to determine its main imaging features as well as to discuss the differential diagnosis problems versus the other cystic le sions of the pancreas. Method: Thirty SCAs were analyzed; they were al l benign lesions, proven at surgery. Twenty-three tumors were evaluate d with US, 26 with CT, and 5 with MRI. Results: Three different morpho structural patterns were identified: microlacunar (n = 19), mixed (n = 6), and macrolacunar (n = 5). The diagnosis of SCA, possible in eithe r the microlacunar or the mixed patterns, was achieved in 74% of cases with US (17/23) and in 61.5% with CT (16/26). Among the 19 patients e valuated with both modalities, the joint information allowed a correct diagnosis in 16 cases (84%). The five macrolacunar tumors were undist inguishable from other cystic masses of the pancreas. Conclusion: The diagnosis of SCA can be considered certain in the microlacunar, likely in the mixed, and not possible in the macrolacunar type.