CT features of neuroendocrine tumor of the pancreas: report of 28 cases

Objective To observe computed tomography features of neuroendocrine tumor of the pancreas.Methods Computed tomography scans for 28 patients with pathologically proven neuroendocrine tumor of the pancreas were retrospectively analyzed.The data of tumor locations,diameters of the tumor and internal composition,pattern of enhancement,changes of biliary and pancreatic duct,and lymphatic metastasis,remote metastasis were recorded.Results A total of 32 lesions were detected,24 lesions were single lesions,while 4 lesions were multiple lesions (2 lesions within pancreas).The shapes of these lesions were nodule-like or mass-like.Eighteen lesions were located in pancreatic tail,10 in pancreatic head,2 in pancreatic body,and 2 between pancreatic tail and body.Among the lesions located in pancreatic head,pancreatic duct dilation were detected in 5 cases,bile duct dilation in 1 case,both biliary and pancreatic duct dilation in 2 cases,and no dilation in the remaining 2 cases.The diameters of the tumor ranged from 1.0 to 20.0cm (mean5.1 cm),and the size was ＜2 cmin 1 case,2 ～5 cm in 23 cases; ＞5 cm in 8 cases.After enhancement,the lesions were enhanced to different degrees,and the peak value occurred in the pancreatic phase.Twenty-three lesions invaded adjacent vessels or organs,and lymphatic metastasis was observed in 5 cases,remote metastasis were recorded in 6 cases.Conclusions Neuroendocrine tumor of the pancreas has certain features on computed tomography.It is highly likely to make the pre-operative diagnosis when clinical data is also taken into consideration. Key words: Pancreas ;  Endocrine gland neoplasms ;  Tomography, X-ray computed ;  Retrospective studies