Multiple-slice spiral CT perfusion imaging of pancreatic cancer

Objective To assess the diagnostic value of multiple-slice spiral CT (MSCT) perfusion imaging technique in pancreatic cancer by measuring and comparing the dynamical characteristics of blood flow between normal pancreas and pancreatic cancer. Methods The CT perfusion imaging were obtained using Siemens Somatoma MSCT scanner in 44 patients with normal pancreas tissue and 18 patients with pancreatic cancer. The mean blood flow (BF),blood volume (BV), time to start (Trs), time to peak (TIP), permeability and patlak blood volume (pBV) were measured and statistically analyzed by using Siemens Body peHusion software package. Results The mean BF, BV, Trs, TIP, permeability and pBV of normal pancreas were: (90.60±29.25) ml·100 ml-1·min-1, (190.35±43.8) ml/L, (205.3±160.2) s, (1403.5±334.0)s, (99.47±49.9) 0.5 ml·100 ml-1·min-1, (157.8±52.5) ml/L, respectively. The mean BF, BV, TTS, TrP, per-meability and pBV of pancreatic cancer were (22.9±10. 63) ml·100 ml-1·min-1, (52.38±18.08) ml/L, (194.3±76.0) s, (1549.5± 308.5)s, (115.25±33.55) 0.5 ml·100 ml-1·min-1, (83.16±41.45) ml/L respectively. The mean BF, BV, pBV and permeability between normal pancreas and pancreatic carcinoma were statistically significant (P 0.05). Conclusion There are significant differences between perfusion values of pancreatic carcinoma and normal pancreatic tissue, and MSCT perfusion imaging is helpful in diagnosing pancreatic carcinoma. Key words: Pancreatic neoplasm;  Tomography, X-ray computed;  Perfusion