Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the CT findings of pancreatic carcinoid tumors. Methods: The CT imaging data of five patients with pancreatic carcinoid tumors confirmed by pathology were retrospectively analyzed. Results: The tumors ranged in maximum diameter from 2.0 to 11.0 cm with a mean of 6.4 cm. On unenhanced CT, the tumors were slightly hypodense relative to the pancreatic parenchyma, homogenous in 2 cases, and heterogenous in 3 cases. One tumor showed calcification. After contrast material injection, the solid component of the tumor showed marked heterogenous enhancement on the arterial phase scanning in 3 cases, and mild heterogenous enhancement in 2 cases. The degree of tumor enhancement was less intense than the surrounding pancreatic parenchyma due to necrosis of various degree, which led to the cystic appearance of the tumor in 1 case. On the portal phase scanning, all tumors showed marked enhancement similar to that of the pancreatic parenchyma. On the delayed phase scanning, the degree of enhancement was more intense than the surrounding pancreatic parenchyma in 1 case. Liver metastases with retroperitoneal lymphadenopathy and peripancreatic vessels invasion were seen in 1 case. No dilatation of the biliary tract or pancreatic duct was present. Conclusion: The CT features of pancreatic careinoid tumors included infrequent dilatation of the biliary tract or pancreatic duct and unusual vascular involvement, calcification within the mass, marked enhancement similar to that of the surrounding pancreatic parenchyma during the portal phase scanning and more intense during the delayed phase scanning.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 1070-1072 |
| Number of pages | 3 |
| Journal | Chinese Journal of Radiology |
| Volume | 41 |
| Issue number | 10 |
| State | Published - Oct 2007 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Carcinoid tumors
- Pancreas diseases
- Tomography, X-ray computed
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Radiology Nuclear Medicine and imaging