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Mucinous cystic neoplasms and serous cystadenomas arising in the body-tail of the pancreas: MR imaging characterization

  • Gastrointestinal
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Abstract

Purpose

To identify magnetic resonance (MR)/MR cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) imaging signs helpful in the differential diagnosis between serous cystadenomas (SCAs) and mucinous cystic neoplasms (MCNs), arising from the body/tail of the pancreas.

Material and methods

This retrospective study had institutional review board approval and informed consent was waived. Fifty-three patients with non-communicating cystic pancreatic neoplasm of the body/tail, undergoing MR/MRCP, were included. Qualitative image analysis assessed the macroscopic pattern, number of cysts, presence of central scar, contrast enhancement of peripheral wall, and mural nodules. Quantitative analysis assessed the maximum diameter of the neoplasm, thickness of the peripheral wall, and calibre of the upstream main pancreatic duct.

Results

Histopathology results revealed that 27/53 (51 %) were SCAs, 26/53 (49 %) were MCNs. Microcystic pattern was observed in 88.2 % of SCAs and 11.8 % of MCNs; macrocystic pattern was observed in 90.5 % of MCNs and 9.5 % of SCAs (p < 0.0001). Central scar was detected in 29.6 % of SCAs and no MCNs (p = 0.003). Contrast enhancement of the peripheral wall was evident in 99.5 % of MCNs and 11.5 % of SCAs (p < 0.0001); mural nodules were depicted in 94.1 % of MCNs and 5.9 % of SCAs (p < 0.0001).

Median maximum diameter was 54 mm for MCNs, 32 mm for SCAs (p = 0.001); median wall thickness was 4 mm for MCNs, 2 mm for SCAs (p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Macrocystic pattern, enhancement of a peripheral wall and mural nodules are suggestive of MCNs; whereas microcystic pattern, lack of peripheral wall and central scar are suggestive of SCAs.

Key Points

• MCNs have macrocystic patterns, contrast enhancement of the peripheral wall and mural nodules

• Microcystic pattern and central scar are suggestive of SCA

• Mural nodules detected in MCNs correlate with epithelial dysplasia

• Chronic obstructive pancreatitis is equally depicted in patients with MCNs and SCAs

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Acknowledgements

The scientific guarantor of this publication is Roberto Pozzi Mucelli. The authors of this manuscript declare no relationships with any companies whose products or services may be related to the subject matter of the article. The authors state that this work has not received any funding. One of the authors has significant statistical expertise. Institutional review board approval was obtained. Written informed consent was waived by the institutional review board. Methodology: retrospective, observational, performed at one institution.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiology, University of Verona, P.le L.A. Scuro 10, 37134, Verona, Italy

    Riccardo Manfredi, Anna Ventriglia, Sara Mehrabi, Enrico Boninsegna & Roberto Pozzi Mucelli

  2. Department of Public Health and Prevention, Provincial Health Services, A. Degasperi 79, 38123, Trento, Italy

    William Mantovani

  3. Department of Pathology, University of Verona, P.le L.A. Scuro 10, 37134, Verona, Italy

    Giuseppe Zamboni

  4. Department of Surgery, University of Verona, P.le L.A. Scuro 10, 37134, Verona, Italy

    Roberto Salvia

Authors
  1. Riccardo Manfredi
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  2. Anna Ventriglia
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  3. William Mantovani
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  4. Sara Mehrabi
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  5. Enrico Boninsegna
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  6. Giuseppe Zamboni
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  7. Roberto Salvia
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  8. Roberto Pozzi Mucelli
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Correspondence to Riccardo Manfredi.

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Manfredi, R., Ventriglia, A., Mantovani, W. et al. Mucinous cystic neoplasms and serous cystadenomas arising in the body-tail of the pancreas: MR imaging characterization. Eur Radiol 25, 940–949 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-014-3493-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-014-3493-2

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