Evaluation of Dopplersonographic criteria for the differentiation of pancreatic tumours.

Aim: In order to improve the differential diagnosis of pancreatic lesions, dopplersonographic criteria for the tumours were evaluated. Methods: 35 pat ients diagnosed by conventional ultrasound as having a tumour of pancreas w ere further investigated by B-mode sonography, fundamental acid echo-enhanc ed power-Doppler sonography focusing on specific properties of the tumours. The results were correlated to the histological findings. Results: Ductal carcinomas and cystadenocarcinomas are often hypovascularized in comparison to the surrounding tissue. In contrast to this, neuroendocrine tumours and cystadenomas are mostly hypervascularized. Tumours associated with pancrea titis show different vascularization patterns depending on inflammation and the extent of necrosis. Conclusions: Pancreatic tumours display different vascularization patterns in the echo-enhanced power-Doppler sonography. The se characteristics can be useful for the differential diagnosis of pancreat ic tumours.