title: Accuracy of CT in estimating extent of pancreatic necrosis.
abstract: The objective of this study was to determine whether nonenhancing pancreatic lesions are accurate in estimating pancreatic necrosis. Twenty-six consecutive abdominal computed tomography (CT) examinations performed over a 3-year period that met the CT criteria for pancreatic necrosis were reviewed. Follow-up CTs in three of 26 patients demonstrated pancreatic enhancement, indicating viable parenchyma, within the previously nonenhancing regions. All three patients had undergone surgical debridement in that area. Twenty-three cases demonstrated either no change or enlargement of the nonenhancing pancreatic lesions. Follow-up ranged from 1 week to 26 months. While CT is accurate in diagnosing pancreatic necrosis, lack of enhancement in CT may occasionally overestimate the extent of necrosis. Nonenhancing, viable but at-risk tissue may be present adjacent to frankly necrotic tissue. Surgical debridement may facilitate recovery of this viable tissue, which may enhance normally on follow-up CT.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles 90033, USA.
authors.forename: N A
authors.initials: NA
authors.lastname: Yassa
authors.forename: J T
authors.initials: JT
authors.lastname: Agostini
authors.forename: P W
authors.initials: PW
authors.lastname: Ralls
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003646:Debridement / Q000379:methods; D004322:Drainage / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019283:Pancreatitis, Acute Necrotizing / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D011856:Radiographic Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D013997:Time Factors; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods