CT diagnostic value of cystadenoma and cystadenocarcinoma of the pancreas

Objective:To evaluate the CT features of serous cystadenomas,mucinous cystadenomas or cystadenocarcinomas of the pancreas for differential diagnosis.Methods:CT appearances of 17 cases with serous cystadenomas and muci-nous cystadenomas or cystadenocarcinomas of the pancreas confirmed by surgery and pathology were retrospectively analyzed.Results:This study included 7 cases of serous cystadenomas,8 cases of mucinous cystadenomas and 2 cases of cystadenocarcinoma.85.7% (6/7) of serous cystadenoma of the pancreas presented as a lobulate and multicystic lesion,71.4% (5/7) of the lesions contained cyst with a diameter less than 2cm.Central calcification was observed in one case.90% (9/10) of the mucinous cystadenoma/cystadenocarcinoma were located in the body and tail of the pancreas.80%(8/10) of the lesions appeared as a single cyst with a smooth margin.90% (9/10) of the lesions contained the largest cyst with a diameter over 2cm.Uneven thickness of cystic wall,papillary excrescence and much solid substance in the lesion indicated malignancy.Conclusion:CT characteristics of serous cystadenomas and mucinous neoplasms or cystadenocarcinomas of the pancreas are quite different,which is helpful for diagnosis and diferential diagnosis.However,atypical CT appearances may compromise its diagnostic accuracy.