Dual-Phase Spiral CT of Pancreatic Neoplasms

Abstract

Biphasic spiral CT of the pancreas is an extremely valuable technique for diagnosing and staging patients with suspected pancreatic carcinoma [1–7]. During the arterial phase of the injection the normal pancreatic parenchyma enhances intensely. This improves the conspicuity of hypo attenuating lesions such as adenocarcinoma. The arterial phase is also excellent for identifying vascular lesions such as neuroendocrine tumors and arterial encasement. The portal venous phase, however, is essential for a complete assessment of resectability for pancreatic carcinoma as hepatic metastasis are often best demonstrated during this portion of the injection. In addition, splenic vein occlusion and the development of perisplenic varices are optimally imaged during the venous phase.