Brief Articles
Copyright ©2009 The WJG Press and Baishideng. All rights reserved.
World J Gastroenterol. Aug 28, 2009; 15(32): 4037-4043
Published online Aug 28, 2009. doi: 10.3748/wjg.15.4037
Imaging features of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms of the pancreas in multi-detector row computed tomography
Ling Tan, Ya-E Zhao, Deng-Bin Wang, Qing-Bing Wang, Jing Hu, Ke-Min Chen, Xia-Xing Deng
Ling Tan, Deng-Bin Wang, Qing-Bing Wang, Jing Hu, Ke-Min Chen, Department of Radiology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
Ya-E Zhao, Department of Radiology, Shanghai Shi Dong Hospital, Shanghai 200438, China
Xia-Xing Deng, Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
Author contributions: Tan L and Zhao YE contributed equally to this work; Wang DB and Chen KM designed the research; Tan L, Zhao YE, Wang DB, Wang QB, Hu J, Chen KM and Deng XX performed the research; Tan L, Zhao YE and Wang DB analyzed the data and wrote the paper; All the authors reviewed and approved the final manuscript.
Correspondence to: Deng-Bin Wang, MD, PhD, Professor of Radiology, Vice Chair, Department of Radiology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, 197 Ruijin Er Road, Shanghai 200025, China. dbwang8@yahoo.com.cn
Telephone: +86-21-64370045-665724
Fax: +86-21-64333548
Received: May 6, 2009
Revised: August 1, 2009
Accepted: August 8, 2009
Published online: August 28, 2009
Abstract

AIM: To retrospectively evaluate the imaging features of pancreatic intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) in multi-detector row computed tomography (MDCT).

METHODS: A total of 20 patients with pathologically-confirmed intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) were included in this study. Axial MDCT images combined with CT angiography (CTA) and multiplanar volume reformations (MPVR) or curved reformations (CR) were preoperatively acquired. Two radiologists (Tan L and Wang DB) reviewed all the images in consensus using an interactive picture archiving and communication system. The disputes in readings were resolved through consultation with a third experienced radiologist (Chen KM). Finally, the findings and diagnoses were compared with the pathologic results.

RESULTS: The pathological study revealed 12 malignant IPMNs and eight benign IPMNs. The diameters of the cystic lesions and main pancreatic ducts (MPDs) were significantly larger in malignant IPMNs compared with those of the benign IPMNs (P < 0.05). The combined-type IPMNs had a higher rate of malignancy than the other two types of IPMNs (P < 0.05). Tumors with mural nodules and thick septa had a significantly higher incidence of malignancy than tumors without these features (P < 0.05). Communication of side-branch IPMNs with the MPD was present in nine cases at pathologic examination. Seven of them were identified from CTA and MPVR or CR images. From comparison with the pathological diagnosis, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of MDCT in characterizing the malignancy of IPMN of the pancreas were determined to be 100%, 87.5% and 95%, respectively.

CONCLUSION: MDCT with CTA and MPVR or CR techniques can elucidate the imaging features of IPMNs and help predict the malignancy of these tumors.

Keywords: Computed tomography, Diagnostic imaging, Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm, Pancreatic neoplasms