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Title: CT features of nonfunctioning islet cell carcinoma

Conference · · Am. J. Roentgenol. Radium Ther.; (United States)
OSTI ID:6306544

To determine the computed tomographic (CT) characteristics of nonfunctioning islet cell carcinoma of the pancreas, the CT scans of 27 patients with that disease were reviewed. The pancreatic tumor was identified as a mass in 26 patients (96%) Of the 25 tumors evaluated with contrast enhancement, 20 became partially diffusely hyperdense relative to nearby normal pancreatic tissue. Hepatic metastases were identified in 15 patients (56%), regional lymphadenopathy in 10 (37%), atrophy of the gland proximal to the tumor in six (22%), dilatation of the biliary ducts in five (19%), and dilatation of the pancreatic duct in four (15%). The CT appearances of the nonfunctioning islet cell tumors were compared with those of 100 ordinary (ductal) pancreatic adenocarcinomas. Although the two types of tumors were sometimes indistinguishable, features found to be more characteristic of islet cell carcinoma included a pancreatic mass of unusually large size, calcification within the tumor, and contrast enhancement of either the primary tumor or hepatic metastases. Involvement of the celiac axis or proximal superior mesenteric artery was limited to ductal carcinoma.

Research Organization:
Mayo Clinic and Mayo Foundation, Rochester, MN
OSTI ID:
6306544
Journal Information:
Am. J. Roentgenol. Radium Ther.; (United States), Vol. 143:5; Conference: Annual meeting of the Society of Gastrointestinal Radiologists, Bermuda, Oct 1983
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English