Multidetector computed tomography characteristics of intra-pancreatic accessory spleen / 中华胰腺病杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To summarize the imaging features of intra-pancreatic accessory spleen (IPAS)with multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) and improve the awareness and correct diagnosis of IPAS.Methods MDCT images of seven consecutive patients with surgically and pathologically confirmed IPAS were reviewed retrospectively.The investigated features included the location,size,shape,margin,density,and enhancement of the lesions.Results Four patients were male and three were female with a mean age of 49 years old.All the lesions were located at the dorsal side of parenchyma under the capsule of pancreatic tail.Three lesions were in round-like shape,and 4 in oval shape and all were well-defined.All the lesions were mass-like without necrosis and calcification.The maximum diameter of lesion ranged from 0.9 ～ 1.8 cm with a mean value of 1.4 cm.Compared with pancreatic parenchyma,the density of lesions were homogeneous on unenhanced CT,in arterial phase,slightly increased heterogeneous density was observed in 3 patients,slightly increased homogeneous density was observed in 4 patients.All the lesions appeared as slightly increased homogeneous density in portal phase.The CT value in unenhanced phase ranged from 50 ～ 61 Hu with a mean number of 55 Hu; and it ranged from 80 ～ 110 Hu with a mean number of 97 Hu in arterial phase; and the corresponding value was from 99 ～ 120 Hu with a mean number of 102 Hu in portal phase.Among the three patients underwent MDCT angiography,neither artery nor vein was compressed or invaded,and there was no vessel connected with lesions.Conclusions IPAS has some MDCT characteristics.For small solid mass in pancreatic tail,if the density and enhancement pattern is similar to that of spleen,the diagnosis of IPAS should be considered.