Pancreatic duct dilatation in pancreatic carcinoma and chronic pancreatitis: a CT study

ABSTRACT

CT of the pancreas was done for 20 patients with normal pancreata, 32 with pancreatic carcinoma and 14 with chronic pancereatitis. Their ages ranged from 35-76 years. Dilated pancreatic duct was demonstrated in 66% of patients with carcinoma and 57% of patients with chronic pancreatitis. It was found that a pancreatic duct to gland width ratio of 0.5 or more suggests carcinoma while intraductal stones suggest chronic pancreatitis as the underlying cause. The study confirms the association of pancreatic ductal dilatation in pancreatic carcinoma and chronic pancreatitis. However, as an isolated findings, pancreatic ductal dilatation only confirms the presence of pancreatic disease but no specific etiology can be suggested and further studies should be initiated to clarify the underlying cause