Clinical application of contrast‐enhanced ultrasound in differential diagnosis of serous pancreatic neoplasia / 中华超声影像学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the value of contrast‐enhanced ultrasound ( CEUS ) in the differential diagnosis of pancreatic neoplasia ( SPN ) before operation . Methods Forty‐six cases of SPN confirmed by operation and histopathological results from January 2012 to June 2018 were enrolled in the study . According to the European Ultrasound Association ( EFSUMB) guidelines for CEUS in 2018 ,the enhancement pattern of pancreatic lesion with normal surrounding pancreatic parenchyma was used for reference . T he enhancement pattern of SPN were observed during the arterial phase ,venous phase and delayed phase . CEUS pattern of 16 cases with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma ( PDAC ) with cystic changes proved by histopathology were observed and compared with SPN . Results T he mean size of 46 cases of SPN was ( 32 .72 ± 25 .51) mm . Fifteen SPN lesions located in the head of pancreas ,31 cases located in the body and tail of the pancreas . Most of SPN were solidcystic lesions with thin separation on conventional B mode ultrasoud ,without communication with the main pancreatic duct . Color flow signals could be detected in 78 .3% ( 36/46) SPN lesions . After the injection of 2 .4 ml ultrasound contrast agent , the substantial part of all SPN showed hyperenhancement ( n＝ 44 ,99 .7% ) or isoenhancement ( n ＝ 2 , 4 .3% ) during the arterial phase ,venous phase and late phase . However ,93 .8% ( 15/16 ) of the PDAC lesion with cystic changes showed consistent hypo enhancement throughout the arterial ,venous and late phase ( P ＜0 .05) . T he accuracy of preoperative diagnosis of CEUS was 95 .6% . Conclusions Depending on its unique advantages such as real‐time observation ,high‐resolution imaging ,and no radiation ,CEUS is helpful for early detection ,accurate localization and preoperative diagnosis of SPN . CEUS has potential role for clinical decision‐making before treatment .