Learning objectives
To illustrate differentmagnetic resonance imaging (MRI)appearances of the normal pancreas and some findings that could indicate disease,
with emphasis on MRI.
To learn about different conditions that can be easily mistaken for pancreatic tumor.
To learn about different conditions that can be easily mistaken for pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor.
Background
Imaging represents one of the cornerstones of the diagnosis workup of numerous pancreatic diseases.MRIis a highly valuable tool in the imaging of the pancreas. Radiologist familiarity with the normal and variant anatomy of the pancreas and with the most commonly made misdiagnoses is mandatory to avoid them.
A variety of congenital anomalies and pathologic conditions in and around the pancreas may simulate primary pancreatic neoplasia at routine abdominal cross-sectional imaging.It is important that the radiologist be familiar with the wide spectrum of anatomic variants and...
Findings and procedure details
NORMAL PANCREAS ANATOMY
The pancreas is a coarsely lobulated gland typically 15–20 cm in lengthand located in the anterior pararenal space of the retroperitoneum.
The gland can be divided in four parts: head and uncinate process,
neck,
body and tail with the mesenteric vessels as a reference point [1-3](Fig. 1).
The pancreatic head is located within the curve of the duodenum,
to the right of the superior mesenteric vein.
The uncinate process is a prolongation of the caudal part of the head,
which is oriented...
Conclusion
Mimics of pancreatic disease,
caused by developmental variants and anomalies,
are commonly encountered on imaging studies.
To differentiate these benign“nontouch”entities from true pancreatic conditions,
radiologists should be familiar with them,
the imaging techniques available to study them,
and their variable imaging presentations.
Some neoplastic and inflammatory diseases can simulate pancreatic adenocarcinoma including neuroendocrine tumor,
metastasis to the pancreas,
lymphoma,
groove pancreatitis,
autoimmune pancreatitis,
and focal chronic pancreatitis. Differentiation between these lesions and pancreatic adenocarcinoma can be challenging,
due to the overlap in imaging features; however,...
Personal information
This work comes from the Radiology Department of:
Hospital General Universitari Vall d'Hebron
Ps.
Vall d'Hebron 119-129
08035 BARCELONA (SPAIN)
e-mail adress of the first and second author:
[email protected]
[email protected]
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