A study on clues for CT diagnosis of resectable small pancreatic carcinoma

With an aim to find a clue for CT diagnosis in detecting smaller carcinoma of the pancreas, a comparative study on four cases of the resected pancreatic carcinoma was performed based on CT findings and histology. The following conclusions have been drawn: (A) a few number of well-defined, thick low density areas in small round shape existing in the central part of the pancreatic parenchyma, and (B) a finding of slightly dilated main pancreatic duct are two major important clues for detection of smaller pancreatic carcinoma. A low density area was histologically interpreted as cross-section of the dilated main or branching pancreatic ducts, which was not caused by necrosis. These two major clues (A and B) are frequently observed in either case of chronic pancreatitis or pancreatic cyst; however, our results suggest that we must be sensitive for a possibility of small carcinoma of the pancreas when we encounter these clues. CT scan with 5 mm spacing is recommended. (author)