Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography of small solid pseudopapillary tumors of the pancreas: enhancement pattern and pathologic correlation of 2 cases.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this series is to describe the value of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) in the characterization of small pseudopapillary tumors (SPTs) of the pancreas.


METHODS
Two cases of SPTs found on conventional ultrasonography, both located at the pancreatic body, were studied with spiral computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and CEUS. A final diagnosis was obtained with histologic analysis after distal pancreatectomy. Immunohistochemical analysis of the tumors with the CD34 antigen was performed.


RESULTS
At CEUS, the 2 SPTs had a slight peripheral rim enhancement in the early dynamic phases. The presence of this enhancement pattern at CEUS, not clear at spiral computed tomography or at magnetic resonance imaging, suggested the diagnosis of SPTs with a peripheral pseudocapsule deriving from the compression of the pancreatic parenchyma. The presence of a perilesional pseudocapsule was proved at immunohistochemical analysis of the tumors with the CD34 antigen.


CONCLUSIONS
Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography can improve the characterization of SPTs by showing the typical rim enhancement of these pancreatic tumors.
D'Onofrio
Mirko
M
Department of Radiology, Policlinico G. B. Rossi, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy. mirkodonofrio@univr.it
Malagò
Roberto
R
Vecchiato
Francesca
F
Zamboni
Giulia
G
Testoni
Marco
M
Falconi
Massimo
M
Capelli
Paola
P
Mucelli
Roberto Pozzi
RP
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D010190:Pancreatic Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D014463:Ultrasonography