Multisection dynamic CT perfusion for normal and tumorous pancreas

Objective: To measure and assess CT perfusion for normal and cancerous pancreas by using multisection dynamic CT with tumor perfusion software package. Methods: The multisection dynamic CT perfusion series was performed for pancreatic perfusion with cine mode (1 s per rotation) on a multisection CT scanner (Lightspeed Ultra, GE, Waukesha, WI, USA), 4 x 5 mm collimation, 120 kV, 60 mA. Contrast injection was done by using 50 ml nonionic contrast agent (300 mgI/ml), at a flow rate of 3.5 ml/s with a power injector, and 5 seconds delay, and data acquisition lasted for 45 seconds. The mean BF, BV, MTT, and PS were measured and statistically analyzed in patients with normal pancreas (n=37), pancreatic carcinoma (n=37), and none-functioning islet cell tumor (n=3) proven by clinic and pathology, respectively, on a Sun Ultra AW4.0 workstation using Perfusion 2 software package (GE) with deconvolution method. Results: The mean BF, BV, MTT, and PS in normal pancreas tissue were (3386.2±1596.1) ml·min-1·kg-1, (267.3±130.2) ml·kg-1, (6.59±2.59) s, (288.2±203.9) ml·min-1·kg-1, respectively. The mean BF, BV, MTT, and PS in pancreatic carcinoma were (2323.1±1841.2) ml·min-1·kg-1, (189.7±160.6) ml·kg-1, (7.93±3.92) s, (457.2±261.6) ml·min-1·kg-1, respectively. The mean BF, BV, and PS between pancreatic carcinoma and normal pancreas were statistically significant (P= 0.01, 0.025, and 0.003). However, the mean MTT between pancreatic carcinoma and normal pancreas was not statistically significant (P=0.087). Conclusion: The pancreatic perfusion with multisection CT can be readily obtained. The mean BF, BV, and PS between pancreatic carcinoma and normal pancreas were statistically significant