Imaging features of rare pancreatic tumors

Abstract

The increasing use of abdominal imaging has led to a growing incidence of traditionally uncommon pancreatic tumors. These rare tumors have specific imaging features whose knowledge may heighten confidence in characterization and may avoid unnecessary surgical procedures when imaging findings suggest a benign condition. Computed tomography (CT) is the modality with which rare pancreatic tumors are incidentally detected in the majority of cases. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is often performed as a second line examination for further characterization. This review provides an update on CT and MRI findings of rare tumors of the pancreas.

Pancreatic leiomyosarcoma in a domestic shorthair cat

“…[12][13][14][15][16][17][18] Within the human literature, there are no wellestablished diagnostic imaging criteria or characteristics used for the identification of pancreatic leiomyosarcoma. In the majority of cases, a well-encapsulated, contrastenhancing cystic lesion often associated with an appearance consistent with internal haemorrhage is identified on CT. [19][20][21] A similar appearance on CT was noted in the case reported here.…”

Pancreatic leiomyosarcoma: a diagnostic challenge and literature review

“…Following this the patient went on to have a CT scan which revealed a large head of pancreas mass. Table 1 summaries the various imaging features that have been identified in and associated with primary pancreatic leiomyosarcoma 11 12. Most commonly they are seen on CT as solid lesions with possible cystic components secondary to necrosis or haemorrhage, with contrast enhancement in both arterial and venous phases with no fat content 7 12.…”

“…Table 1 summaries the various imaging features that have been identified in and associated with primary pancreatic leiomyosarcoma 11 12. Most commonly they are seen on CT as solid lesions with possible cystic components secondary to necrosis or haemorrhage, with contrast enhancement in both arterial and venous phases with no fat content 7 12. Given the CT findings they can be frequently misdiagnosed as pancreatic pseudocysts or cystic neoplasms 7 13…”

Diseases of the Pancreas

“…encapsulated tumor in the pancreatic head often associated with elevated alpha-fetoprotein levels and metastases to liver and lymph nodes), acinar cell carcinoma (relatively large tumors in elderly men with an imaging appearance similar to pancreatic adenocarcinomas and potential excessive release of serum lipase followed by focal panniculitis and polyarthritis as diagnostic hint), and solid pseudopapillary tumor (of mainly young women (frequently incidental tumor in women 20-30 years of age; m: f = 1:10; large, heterogenous tumor of uncertain dignity) and occasionally children) [22]. Mesenchymal tumors (sarcoma, cystic dermoid, lymphangioma, leiomyosarcoma, hemangiopericytoma, hemangioma, malignant fibrous histiocytoma, lymphoepithelial cysts, primary lymphoma) and secondary tumors (secondary lymphoma, metastases) of the pancreas are very rare and may be identified due to specific imaging features such as peripheral nodular enhancement on dynamic imaging or high signal intensity in T1-and T2-weighted imaging in, e.g., hemangioma or lipoma; otherwise clinical context and histopathological proof will determine the diagnosis.…”