Radiologic Reevaluation of the Ampulla of Vater Cancer

Objective: To evaluate the radiographic characteristics of the ampulla of Vater cancer. Subjects and Methods:The authors analyzed retrospectively the US(n=25) and CT(n=15) findings in 25 cases of ampulla of Vater cancer, with emphasis on the potential of CT & US in regand to the detectibility of the mass. ERCP(n=15) and hypotonic duodenography(n=5) were also evaluated for the configuration of obstructed duct. RESULTS: The tumor was detected on sonography in only 12 cases(48%) as a small, relatively well delinated mass with slighty low echogenicity to the pancreas. The tumor was shown by CT in 8 cases(53% ) as a well delinated mass protruding into the second portion of duodenal lumen with slightly low attenuation to the pancreas. CBD was dilated in 25 cases(100%), but pancreatic duct was dilated in 15 cases(60%). Obstructed end of CBD was nipple shaped in 7 cases(47%), clubbed in 3, flat in 3, and indistict in 2 by ERCP. Hypotonic duodenogram showed irregular filling defect in the medial wall of second portion of the duodenum in 5 cases (100%). CONCLUSION: Mas detection rate crsing US or CT were not high in ampulla of Vater cancer. Except for a CT finding of a small mass protruding into the regional duodenal lumen, other finclings were nonspecific. Therefore, additional studies or more afgressive approach should be attempted for a correct diagnosis.

Acute Pancreatitis: CT Grading and Its Significance

PURPOSE: To assess the prognostic value of computed tomography (CT) in acute pancreatitis, initial CT examinations were classified into 5 grades in terms of the degree of disease severity and CT findings were correlated with clinical course, objective prognostic signs, and complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 29 consecutive patients with acute pancreatitis, the CT examination and clinical course were reviewed without knowledge of each other finding. Both Ranson's prognostic signs and modified Glascow prognostic signs were used for evaluation of acute pancreatitis. RESULTS: Of the 29 patients, 25 patients recovered with medical treatment while 4 patients (14%) developed pseudocysts and the other 4 patients (14%) developed abscesses. CT findings of the acute pancreatitis are as follows; 10 patients (35%) in grade A with normal pancreas, 2 patients (7%) in grade B with pancreatic enlargement, 2 patients (7%) in grade C with intrinsic pancreatic abnormalities associated with haziness, 3 patients (10%) in grade D with single, ill-defined fluid collection, and 12 patients (41%) in grade E with extensive and two or multiple fluid collections or presence of gas in or adjacent to the pancreas. Correlation coefficient is 0.46 (p=0.012) between CT findings and Ranson's prognostic signs, 462 (p=0.0115) between CT findings and modified Glascow prognostic signs. CONCLUSION: CT gradings of acute pancreatitis may be useful in predicting clinical course.