Pancreas Ductal Adenocarcinoma and its Mimics: Review of Cross-sectional Imaging Findings for Differential Diagnosis

Abstract

Ductal adenocarcinoma is the most common pancreatic neoplasm. A variety of pancreatic lesions mimic pancreas ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), such as high-grade neuroendocrine tumors, small solid pseudopapillary tumors, metastases, focal autoimmune pancreatitis, and groove pancreatitis. These occasionally look similar in images, but they have differential diagnosis points. Familiarity with the imaging features of PDAC and its mimics is paramount for correct diagnosis and management of patients. In this essay, we describe imaging findings of PDAC and its mimics for differential diagnosis.

Keywords

• Pancreatic neoplasms
• Pancreatitis
• Multidetector computed tomography
• Magnetic resonance imaging
• Differential diagnosis