Learning objectives
To identify the usual imaging appearances related to calcification of the pancreas and their underlying causes.
Background
Pancreatic calcifications are most commonly associated with chronic pancreatitis related to alcohol abuse.
Several other pathologic entities,
however,
can cause pancreatic calcifications.
Awareness of these entities and their classic features is important in making the correct diagnosis and guiding proper management.
Today,
because of the widespread use of imaging,
including sonography,
MR and in particularly CT imaging,
pancreatic calcifications and their underlying cause are being detected more frequently.
Findings and procedure details
Chronic calcifying pancreatitis is the most common cause of pancreatic calcifications.
Alcohol consumption is the most common cause of chronic calcifying pancreatitis,
accounting for as many as 50–70% of cases.
The formation of pancreatic calcifications is theorized to be due to ductal obstruction by proteinaceous plugs and accumulation of calcium carbonate. This obstruction results in ductal ectasia and periductal fibrosis.
Ductal calcifications can present in the main pancreatic duct or in side-branch ducts and can vary morphologically and in size, from microscopic to greater than...
Conclusion
Pancreatic calcifications are key features commonly used to diagnose various types of pancreatic pathologic entities.
Familiarity with these entities,
their morphologic characteristics of and pattern of calcifications helpful in making a reasonable differential diagnosis and reaching a specific diagnosis,
because the management of these lesions varies.
References
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Brinda Rao Korivi,
Akram M.
Shaaban,
Madhavi Patnana,
Kinan Alhalabi,
Khaled M.
Elsayes.
Pancreatic Calcifications and Calcified Pancreatic Masses: Pattern Recognition Approach on CT .
AJR 2017; 209:77–87
3 Lesniak RJ,
Hohenwalter MD,
Taylor AJ.
Spectrum of causes of pancreatic calcifications.
AJR 2002; 178:79–86
4 Nair RJ,
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Chronic pancreatitis....