Computed tomography of the pancreas: three second scanning versus 18 second scanning.
Diagnostic accuracy of pancreatic computed tomography (CT) using a 3 s scanner was compared to our previously published results using an 18 s scanner. Technically unsuccessful examinations have decreased to less than 1%. Pancreatic masses were detected prospectively in 83% of patients with pancreatic carcinoma and retrospectively in all such patients. False negative diagnoses of normal pancreas in proven pancreatic carcinoma were reduced fourfold down to 6%. False positive diagnoses of pancreatic carcinoma remained less than 1% but were not significantly reduced compared to our second year's experience using an 18 s scanner. Interpretation errors and errors due to limitations of CT as a diagnostic technique are discussed.
D000208:Acute Disease; D002277:Carcinoma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D001651:Cholestasis, Extrahepatic / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D010188:Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D007340:Insulinoma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D010179:Pancreas / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D010182:Pancreatic Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D010190:Pancreatic Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D010195:Pancreatitis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D013997:Time Factors; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014463:Ultrasonography