CT findings of pancreatic mucinous neopalsms

Objective To analyze the CT appearances with pathologic correlation and improve the recognition of pancreatic mucinous cystadenoma/cystadenocarcinoma.Methods CT findings in 20 patients with pathologically proven pancreatic mucinous cystic tumor were retrospectively and jointly reviewed by two observers blinded to the pathological results.All patients underwent precontrast and postcontrast helical CT.The number,size,location,and margins of the lesions were observed,along with wall thickness,septation,calcification witllin the lesions.and presence of mural nodules and their enhancement.The findings of malignant and benign tumors were compared.Results Twelve cases of mucinous cystadenoma.3 borderline cystadenomas and 5 cystadenocacinomas were included in this study.Sixteen tumors(16/20)were located at pancreatic body or tail.The findings of thick walsl,calcifications and mural nodules appeared in 4,2 and2 cases respectively in benign mucinous cystic tumors,while appeared in 7,5,and 5 cases respectively in malignant mucinous cystic tumom.Presence of tIlick walls.calcifications and mural nodules in the lesions were significantly associated with malignancy(P＜0.05).Conclusion CT manifestations of pancreatic mucinous neoplasm are variable,but has some specific radiographic features.A combination of CT findings is helpful ifl differentiation of malignant and benign pancreatic mucinous adenomas. Key words: Pancreatic neoplasms;  Adenocarcinoma,mucinous; Tomography,X-ray computed