title: Incidentally detected cystic lesions of the pancreas on CT: review of literature and management suggestions.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To facilitate a better understanding of incidentally noted cystic pancreatic lesions, since these lesions often pose a challenge regarding appropriate management.
  
  
  METHODS
  This article reviews pathophysiology, prevalence, significance, and recommendations for management of the various pancreatic cystic lesions. Illustrative cases are demonstrated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Diagnostic benign lesions can be left alone. Cross-sectional imaging can be used to follow-up benign appearing lesions and to stage more aggressive ones. Endoscopic ultrasound with fine needle aspiration and cyst fluid analysis can be performed on certain indeterminate lesions. Lesions with high malignant potential should undergo resection.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A better understanding of the variety of incidentally detected pancreatic cystic lesions can help direct appropriate management.
authors.affiliation: Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, 601 N. Caroline Street, JHOC 3235 A, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA. azaheer1@jhmi.edu
authors.forename: Atif
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Zaheer
authors.forename: Sajal S
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Pokharel
authors.forename: Christopher
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Wolfgang
authors.forename: Elliot K
authors.initials: EK
authors.lastname: Fishman
authors.forename: Karen M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Horton
mesh_terms: D018291:Cystadenoma, Mucinous / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D018293:Cystadenoma, Serous / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D019160:Endosonography; D006801:Humans; D033162:Incidental Findings; D010181:Pancreatic Cyst / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D010190:Pancreatic Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology; D010192:Pancreatic Pseudocyst / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000628:therapy; D010195:Pancreatitis; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods