Differentiation of Common Pancreatic Cystic Neoplasms Based Upon Multiplicity of Cysts

Abstract

Purpose To evaluate the multiplicity and mean number of cystic lesions in patients with branch duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (BD-IPMNs), serous cystadenomas (SCAs), and mucinous cystic neoplasms (MCNs) of the pancreas. Materials and Methods Two hundred and eighty-eight patients with pathologically proven cystic neoplasms of the pancreas underwent preoperative CT and/or MRI. These patients were divided into the following three groups: BD-IPMN, SCA, and MCN groups. Two radiologists retrospectively analyzed the CT and MRI examinations to determine the multiplicity (i.e., more than one lesion) and mean number of cystic lesions per patient. Among the three groups, statistical comparison of multiplicity of cystic lesions was performed. Results The BD-IPMN group consisted of 155 patients with 176 BD-IPMNs, with multiplicity in 15 patients (9.7%) and a mean 1.14 BD-IPMNs per patient (range, 1.3). The SCA group consisted of 67 patients with 69 SCAs, with multiplicity in one patient (1.5%) and a mean 1.03 SCAs per patient (range, 1.3). The MCN group consisted of 67 patients with 67 MCNs, with no multiplicity. Multiple cystic lesions were significantly more common in the BD-IPMN group than in the SCA and MCN groups (p = 0.003). Conclusion BD-IPMNs were more frequently associated with multiplicity of cystic lesions than SCAs or MCNs of the pancreas.

Keywords

• pancreas
• intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms
• serous cystadenomas
• mucinous cystic neoplasms
• ct and/or mr imaging