The clinical value of evaluating the normal pancreatic variations with dual - phase spiral CT

Objective The purpose of this study was to analyze the clinial value of the normal pancreatic variations that can mimic pancreatic masses with dual - phase spiral CT. Methods The authors reviewed 237 patients who had no clinical or CT evidence of pancreatic disease underwent dual - phase spiral CT. Images of contour variations of the normal pancreas were retrospectively analyzed and classified. Results 58 were seen as contour variations, including 43 pancreatic head and neck,and 14 body and tail respectively. One of the pancreatic heads was seen enlarged with the superior mesenteric vein going round the pancreatic head. Conclusion Variations of the pancreas are common. Recognitions of the different types of contours can help avoid misinterpretation of normal variants as pancreatic masses, which can improve the accuracy of spiral CT for detection of pancreatic cancinoma.