Diagnostic value of magnetic resonance imaging in pancreatic cystic tumor.

Objective To investigate the diagnostic value of MRI in pancreatic cystic tumor. Methods MRI features of pancreatic cystic tumor in 23 patients were reviewed retrospectively, and comparatively studied by taking the results of operation and pathology into account. Results 10 mucinous cystic neoplasms of the pancreas were typically large lesions, with a mean size of 10 cm. These tumors were typically multilocular, with well defined borders, smooth external surfaces, and thick fibrous walls. Unlike mucinous cystic neoplasms of the pancreas, 6 cases of serous cystadenoma were small lesions. The multiple cysts were separated by fibrous septa that radiate from the center. These fibrous bands formed a central stellate scar, which was a characteristic finding. There were three cases of pancreatic cystic metastasis that were difficult to be distinguish from pancreatic cystic tumor without referring to the medical history, for MRI findings were not characteristic. There were two cases of pancreatoblastoma that occurred in female infants, which were characterized by a large heterogeneous multicystic mass. Papillary cystic tumor was well-defined cystic-solid masse with papillary nodes. One case of pancreatic cavernous hemangioma was considered to be serous cystadenoma because their imaging appearances were similar. Conclusions MRI is highly sensitive to pancreatic cystic tumor. Certain characteristic features of different lesions are of great value for preoperative qualitative judgment.