title: [Pancreatic cystic neoplasms. Echographic-CT aspects and differential diagnosis].
abstract: Cystic neoplasms of the pancreas are rare lesions. Following the Compagno-Oertel classification, we differentiated serous microcystic adenomas (SMA) from mucinous macrocystic adenomas/adenocarcinomas (MMA). The former are benign tumors with slow growth, composed by innumerable small and tiny cysts with central calcifications, resulting in a "honeycomb" pattern. They have a mixed US structure while CT densitometric values reflect a mixture of connective tissue and proteinaceous fluid. Postcontrast enhancement is frequently seen. MMA are potential (adenoma) or frankly (adenocarcinoma) malignant tumors. They appear as multilocular cystic masses containing septa and/or papillary bulges, with thickened walls. Both US and CT demonstrate their predominantly cystic character, and the eventual presence of excrescences. We report a series of 23 cases (6 SMA, 17 MMA) of cystic neoplasms of the pancreas studied during the past five years. A correct diagnosis of SMA was possible in all 6 cases, while MMA was correctly diagnosed in 17 out of 18 cases. There were no false negatives, and 1 false positive. All differential diagnoses are also discussed.
authors.affiliation: Istituto di Radiologia, Università, Parma.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Rossi
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Ferrozzi
authors.forename: P A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Maccarini
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Rossi
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Tagliaferri
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Rossi
mesh_terms: D002288:Adenocarcinoma, Mucinous / Q000175:diagnosis; D000236:Adenoma / Q000175:diagnosis; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005188:False Negative Reactions; D005189:False Positive Reactions; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D010179:Pancreas / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D010181:Pancreatic Cyst / Q000175:diagnosis*; D010190:Pancreatic Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014463:Ultrasonography
vernacular_title: Neoplasie cistiche pancreatiche. Aspetti eco-TC e diagnostica differenziale.