Imaging of primary carcinoid tumor of the pancreas

Purpose. To describe the imaging features of primary carcinoid tumors of th e pancreas. Materials and Methods. The sonographic and computed tomographic examination s of six patients with pathologically proven primary carcinoid tumor of the pancreas were retrospectively reviewed. Results. In all cases, sonography showed hypoechoic and well circumscribed tumors. CT scan demonstrated hypoattenuating tumors on noncontrast images, with variable enhancement on postcontrast images. Small tumors (less than 2 cm in diameter) were homogeneous whereas larger tumors were heterogeneous w ith areas of cystic necrosis. In two cases, enlarged lymph nodes were found in association with ascitis. In one case, hepatic metastases were present. Conclusion. Primary carcinoid tumors of the pancreas display various and no n specific imaging features. Small tumors are likely to be homogeneous and hypervascular whereas larger tumors are heterogeneous and hypovascular.