Pancreatic uncinate carcinoma: sonographic findings

Background: Pancreatic carcinoma arising from the uncinate process (pancrea tic uncinate carcinoma) is relatively rare. We wished to define its clinica l manifestations and sonographic findings. Methods: Clinical and sonographic data of eight cases were reviewed. Results: The common bile duct and the pancreatic duct were not dilated unti l a very late stage. The lesion mimicked a mesenteric tumor in two cases. T he superior mesenteric vessels were compressed anteriorly. Computed tomogra phy was useful, not only for confirming the pancreatic uncinate origin of t he lesion but also for determining precisely the mode of mesenteric vascula r involvement. Conclusion: Knowledge of these unusual sonographic findings can determine t he diagnostic strategy in pancreatic uncinate carcinoma.