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DOI:10.2214/AJR.06.0311
AJR 2006; 186:S442-S444
© American Roentgen Ray Society

Imaging of Cystic and Intraductal Pancreatic Lesions: Self-Assessment Module

Felix S. Chew1 and Catherine C. Roberts2

1 Department of Radiology, 4245 Roosevelt Way NE, Box 354755, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105-6008.
2 Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Scottsdale, AZ.

Received March 1, 2006; accepted after revision March 1, 2006.

 
Address correspondence to F. S. Chew.


Abstract
Top
Abstract
INTRODUCTION
EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES
REQUIRED READING
INSTRUCTIONS
References
 
The educational objectives of this self-assessment module on imaging of the pancreas are for the participant to exercise, self-assess, and improve his or her understanding of imaging of cystic and intraductal pancreatic lesions and to gain familiarity with the clinical entity of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) of the pancreas and its radiologic appearance.

Keywords: abdominal imaging • cystic lesions • intraductal pancreatic lesions • intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm • pancreas


INTRODUCTION
Top
Abstract
INTRODUCTION
EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES
REQUIRED READING
INSTRUCTIONS
References
 
This self-assessment module on pancreatic lesions has an educational component and a self-assessment component. The educational component consists of five required articles that the participant should read. The self-assessment component consists of six multiple-choice questions with solutions. All these materials are available on the ARRS Web site (www.arrs.org). To claim CME and SAM credit, each participant must enter his or her responses to the questions online.


EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES
Top
Abstract
INTRODUCTION
EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES
REQUIRED READING
INSTRUCTIONS
References
 
By completing this educational activity, the participant will:

  1. Exercise, self-assess, and improve his or her understanding of imaging of cystic and intraductal pancreatic lesions.
  2. Gain familiarity with the clinical entity of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm of the pancreas and its radiologic appearance.


REQUIRED READING
Top
Abstract
INTRODUCTION
EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES
REQUIRED READING
INSTRUCTIONS
References
 
(available online at www.arrs.org)

  1. Friese JL, Hara AK. Chronic nausea and vomiting with abdominal pain. AJR 2006;186 [suppl]:S445-S448[Free Full Text]
  2. Leyendecker JR, Elsayes KM, Gratz BI, Brown JJ. MR cholangiopancreatography: spectrum of pancreatic duct abnormalities. AJR 2002;179 :1465-1471[Free Full Text]
  3. Demos TC, Posniak HV, Harmath C, Olson MC, Aranha G. Cystic lesions of the pancreas. AJR 2002;179 :1375-1388[Free Full Text]
  4. Silas AM, Morrin MM, Raptopoulos V, Keogan MT. Intraductal papillary mucinous tumors of the pancreas. AJR2001 ;176 :179-185[Free Full Text]
  5. Kawamoto S, Lawler LP, Horton KM, Eng J, Hruban RH, Fishman EK. MDCT of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm of the pancreas: evaluation of features predictive of invasive carcinoma. AJR 2006;186 :687-695[Abstract/Free Full Text]


INSTRUCTIONS
Top
Abstract
INTRODUCTION
EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES
REQUIRED READING
INSTRUCTIONS
References
 

  1. Complete the required reading.
  2. Visit www.arrs.org and select the Journals/Integrative Imaging link on the left-hand side of the home page.
  3. Using your member login, order the online SAM as directed.
  4. Follow the online instructions for entering your responses to the self-assessment questions and complete the test by answering the questions online.


QUESTION 1

Which entity is most difficult to diagnose using MR cholangiopancreatography (MRCP)?

  1. Congenital anomaly.
  2. Traumatic duct injury.
  3. Acute pancreatitis.
  4. Adenocarcinoma.
  5. Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN).

QUESTION 2

Which feature of pancreatic pseudocyst on CT suggests secondary infection?

  1. Calcification of the cyst wall.
  2. Gas formation in the cyst.
  3. Heterogeneous attenuation of cyst contents.
  4. Enhancement of the cyst wall after IV contrast injection.
  5. Extrapancreatic extension.

QUESTION 3

Which imaging technique or procedure is most specific for differentiating a mucinous cystic tumor from a microcystic adenoma?

  1. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP).
  2. Percutaneous cyst aspiration.
  3. MR cholangiopancreatography.
  4. CT.
  5. Endoscopic sonography.

 

Solution to Question 1
MR cholangiopancreatography is relatively unhelpful in the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis [1]. In acute pancreatitis, the duct is usually of normal caliber with a smooth wall. Option C is the best response. MRCP is a powerful tool for evaluating the pancreatic duct. Ductal anatomy and, thus, congenital anomalies and ductal injury are well shown on MRCP. Pancreatic adenocarcinoma arises in the ducts. Ductal dilatation with an abrupt cutoff is often seen with adenocarcinoma. IPMN produces mucin that dilates the main and side pancreatic branches.

Solution to Question 2
Gas formation in a pseudocyst suggests secondary infection [2]. However, previous internal pseudocyst drainage or fistula formation may result in the presence of gas without infection. Option B is the best response. The walls of chronic pseudocysts may calcify, and the presence of calcification does not signify infection. Heterogeneous attenuation of the contents of a pseudocyst may occur with hemorrhage or necrosis. Enhancement of the cyst wall after IV contrast injection is typical for a pseudocyst; the cyst will be uniformly thin. Pseudocysts may extend outside of the pancreas or even be wholly outside it.


QUESTION 4

Which is the most common functioning islet cell tumor?

  1. Glucagonoma.
  2. Gastrinoma.
  3. VIPoma.
  4. Somatostatinoma.
  5. Insulinoma.

QUESTION 5

Which CT finding most strongly suggests the diagnosis of IPMN?

  1. Fatty replacement of the pancreatic parenchyma.
  2. Dilated pancreatic ducts with mucin globs.
  3. Pseudocyst and fistula formation.
  4. Multiple cystic lesions involving the pancreas, liver, and kidneys.
  5. Diffuse parenchymal calcification.

QUESTION 6

CT findings predictive of the presence of invasive carcinoma in the setting of IPMN include which of the following?

  1. Calcification.
  2. Unilocular cystic appearance.
  3. Multiple common duct strictures.
  4. Solid mass.
  5. Lymph node enlargement.

 

Solution to Question 3
The presence of mucin within a percutaneously biopsied cyst is highly specific for a mucinous tumor. Mucin is not present in microcystic adenomas [2]. Option B is the best response. Mucinous cystic tumors and microcystic adenomas have a variable appearance on all forms of imaging. Cysts can be single or multiple in both entities. Microcystic adenomas tend to have cysts smaller than 2 cm in diameter, but larger cysts that would be more typical of mucinous cystic tumors can occur. Both lesions can calcify. A calcified central scar would be most typical of a microcystic adenoma. Calcification in the cyst walls would be more typical of mucinous cystic tumor. On CT, both entities can have an attenuation near that of water.

Solution to Question 4
The most common functioning islet cell tumor is an insulinoma [2]. Option E is the best response. The second most common functioning islet cell tumor is a gastrinoma. Glucagonoma, somatostatinoma, and VIPoma are less common. Insulinomas are usually small, hypervascular lesions that may contain calcification. Large insulinomas are more likely to be malignant. Key facts about insulinomas can be remembered by the "Rule of 10s": 10% are multiple, 10% are malignant, and 10% are hyperplastic as opposed to neoplastic.

Solution to Question 5
The CT appearance of IPMN is variable but generally involves intraductal mucin globs or cystic masses causing obstruction. Obstruction leads to dilatation and may result in fibrosis, parenchymal atrophy, and dysmorphic calcification. Option B is the best response. Fatty replacement of the pancreas is a characteristic finding in cystic fibrosis. Pseudocyst and fistula formation are typically found in chronic pancreatitis. Multiple cystic lesions involving the pancreas, liver, and kidneys suggest autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease [2, 3]. Diffuse parenchymal calcification has not been described in IPMN.

Solution to Question 6
In a retrospective study of 36 patients with a pathologically proven diagnosis of IPMN, features on presurgical MDCT were reviewed in an effort to predict the presence of invasive carcinoma. The authors found that the presence of a solid mass and main pancreatic duct involvement were highly sensitive signs for the presence of invasive carcinoma in IPMN. Option D is the best response. The presence of calcification was not predictive. A unilocular cystic appearance was not associated with invasive carcinoma. The common duct is not involved in IPMN. Lymph node enlargement was not associated with invasive carcinoma [4].


References
Top
Abstract
INTRODUCTION
EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES
REQUIRED READING
INSTRUCTIONS
References
 

  1. Leyendecker JR, Elsayes KM, Gratz BI, Brown JJ. MR cholangiopancreatography: spectrum of pancreatic duct abnormalities. AJR 2002; 179:1465 -1471[Free Full Text]
  2. Demos TC, Posniak HV, Harmath C, Olson MC, Aranha G. Cystic lesions of the pancreas. AJR 2002;179 : 1375-1388[Free Full Text]
  3. Silas AM, Morrin MM, Raptopoulos V, Keogan MT. Intraductal papillary mucinous tumors of the pancreas. AJR2001; 176:179 -185[Free Full Text]
  4. Kawamoto S, Lawler LP, Horton KM, Eng J, Hruban RH, Fishman EK. MDCT of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm of the pancreas: evaluation of features predictive of invasive carcinoma. AJR2006; 186:687 -695[Abstract/Free Full Text]

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Related articles in AJR:

AJR Teaching File: Chronic Nausea and Vomiting with Abdominal Pain
Jeremy L. Friese and Amy K. Hara
AJR 2006 186: S445-S448. [Full Text]  




This Article
Right arrow Abstract Freely available
Right arrow Full Text (PDF)
Right arrow CME/SAM Credit
Right arrow Alert me when this article is cited
Right arrow Alert me if a correction is posted
Right arrow Citation Map
Services
Right arrow Email this article to a friend
Right arrow Related articles in AJR
Right arrow Similar articles in this journal
Right arrow Alert me to new issues of the journal
Right arrow Download to citation manager
Right arrow reprints & permissions
Citing Articles
Right arrow Citing Articles via Google Scholar
Google Scholar
Right arrow Articles by Chew, F. S.
Right arrow Articles by Roberts, C. C.
Right arrow Search for Related Content
PubMed
Right arrow Articles by Chew, F. S.
Right arrow Articles by Roberts, C. C.
Social Bookmarking
 Add to CiteULike   Add to Complore   Add to Connotea   Add to Del.icio.us   Add to Digg   Add to Reddit   Add to Technorati  
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