Cystic neoplasms of the pancreas: new angiographic and ultrasonographic findings

Abstract

Cystic neoplasms of the pancreas (cystadenoma, cystadenocarcinoma) are rare tumors. Early diagnosis and differentiation from other pancreatic lesions are essential for appropriate management. Pancreatic angiography and gray scale ultrasonography facilitate rapid, accurate diagnosis and proper surgical therapy. In a 7 year period, eight patients were studied (one cystadenoma, seven cystadenocarcinoma); five had selective visceral angiography and six underwent abdominal ultrasonography. The ultrasonographic characteristics of these neoplasms and some new angiographic findings are presented. The sonographic findings for cystadenocarcinoma were similar to those of cystadenoma.