Background: We retrospectively reviewed the imaging features of a series of
patients with cystic pancreatic masses, the majority of whom underwent ima
ging surveillance.
Methods: Imaging data from 30 patients with known cystic pancreatic masses
were reviewed. Nine patients had surgical and/or cytologic classification.
Of the 21 who were not operated on, all underwent serial imaging surveillan
ce. Of these, five had corroborative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancrea
tography and 16 were followed by only computed tomography and/or magnetic r
esonance imaging.
Results: In the nonoperated group, mean follow-up time was 30 months (3-144
months). Two patients demonstrated growth, and the remainder remain stable
. In the patients who underwent surgery, invasive carcinoma was found in th
ose with lesions larger than 4 cm, involvement of the main pancreatic duct,
or visible solid components on the imaging study. Smaller lesions were ben
ign.
Conclusion: In patients with suspected cystic pancreatic neoplasms, surveil
lance might be possible if lesions are smaller than 2.5 cm, spare the main
pancreatic duct, and demonstrate no solid components.