Total Lesion Glycolysis on 18F-FDG PET/CT Is a Better Prognostic Factor Than Tumor Dose on 90Y PET/CT in Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma Treated With 90Y Transarterial Radioembolization.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of metabolic parameters on 18F-FDG PET/CT and tumor dose (TD) on posttreatment 90Y PET/CT in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who underwent 90Y transarterial radioembolization (TARE). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty-seven HCC patients treated with 90Y TARE were retrospectively enrolled between January 2013 and October 2018. 18F-FDG PET/CT was performed before treatment. Maximum tumor SUV-to-mean normal liver SUV ratio (TLR), metabolic tumor volume (MTV), and total lesion glycolysis (TLG) were measured for each patient. Voxel dosimetry was performed on 90Y PET/CT images to measure TD. The prognostic significance of metabolic parameters on 18F-FDG PET/CT, TD on 90Y PET/CT, and clinical factors for overall survival (OS) was evaluated. In addition, TD on 90Y PET/CT was analyzed in relation to the administered dose of 90Y-labeled microspheres and metabolic parameters on 18F-FDG PET/CT. RESULTS: The median patient age was 57 years, and 37 patients (78.7%) were men. During the follow-up period, 25 patients (53.2%) died. In univariable analysis, Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage C, Child-Pugh score, TD on 90Y PET/CT, TLR, MTV, and TLG were significant prognostic factors affecting OS (P < 0.05). In multivariable analysis, Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage C and high TLG on 18F-FDG PET/CT were independent prognostic factors for OS (P < 0.05). The 1-year OS rates were 72.9% in patients with low TLG and 33.3% in patients with high TLG (P < 0.05). We also found that TD on 90Y PET/CT was not correlated with the administered dose of 90Y-labeled microspheres, but negatively correlated with TLG on pretreatment 18F-FDG PET/CT (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: TLG, a parameter incorporating both the degree of 18F-FDG uptake and amount of metabolically active tumor volume on pretreatment 18F-FDG PET/CT, is a better prognostic factor than TD on 90Y PET/CT for predicting OS in HCC patients treated with 90Y TARE.

Metabolic tumour volume on 18F-FDG PET/CT predicts extended pathological T stages in patients with renal cell carcinoma at staging.

We evaluated the predictive value of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake on positron emission tomography/CT (PET/CT) for extended pathological T (pT) stages (≥ pT3a) in Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) patients at staging. Thirty-eight RCC patients who underwent 18F-FDG PET/CT at staging, followed by radical nephrectomy between September 2016 and September 2018, were included in this prospective study. Patients were classified into two groups (limited pT stage: stage T1/2, n = 17; extended pT stage: T3/4, n = 21). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify clinicopathological and metabolic variables to predict extended pT stages. 18F-FDG metabolic parameters were compared in relation to International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) grade and lymphovascular invasion (LVI). In univariate analysis, maximum standardised uptake value, metabolic tumour volume (MTV), and ISUP grade were significant. In multivariate analysis, MTV was the only significant factor of extended pT stages. With a cut-off MTV of 21.2, an area under the curve was 0.944, which was higher than 0.824 for clinical T stages (p = 0.037). In addition, high MTV, but not tumour size, was significantly correlated with aggressive pathologic features (ISUP grade and LVI). High glycolytic tumour volume on 18F-FDG PET/CT in RCC patients at staging is predictive of extended pT stages which could aid decision-making regarding the best type of surgery.

Intra-Appendiceal Air at CT: Is It a Useful or a Confusing Sign for the Diagnosis of Acute Appendicitis?

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the significance of intra-appendiceal air at CT for the evaluation of appendicitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 458 patients (216 men, 242 women; age range, 18-91 years) who underwent CT for suspected appendicitis. Two independent readers reviewed the CT. Prevalence, amount, and appearance of intra-appendiceal air were assessed and compared between the patients with and without appendicitis. Performance of CT diagnosis was evaluated in two reading strategies: once ignoring appendiceal air (strategy 1), and the other time considering presence of appendiceal air as indicative of no appendicitis in otherwise indeterminate cases (strategy 2), using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. RESULTS: Of the 458 patients, 102 had confirmed appendicitis. The prevalence of intra-appendiceal air was significantly different between patients with (13.2%) and without (79.8%) appendicitis (p < 0.001). The amount of appendiceal air was significantly lesser in patients having appendicitis as compared with the normal group, for both reader 1 (p = 0.011) and reader 2 (p = 0.002). Stool-like appearance and air-fluid levels were more common in the appendicitis group than in the normal appendix for both readers (p < 0.05). Areas under the ROC curves were not significantly different between strategies 1 and 2 in reader 1 (0.971 vs. 0.985, respectively; p = 0.056), but showed a small difference in reader 2 (0.969 vs. 0.986, respectively; p = 0.042). CONCLUSION: Although significant differences were seen in the prevalence, amount, and appearance of intra-appendiceal air between patients with and without appendicitis, it has a limited incremental value for the diagnosis of acute appendicitis.

Morphologic classification of congenital short pancreas on multidetector computed tomography.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess the imaging characteristics and classify congenital short pancreas on the basis of morphologic features on multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) and to determine the associated diseases and congenital anomalies of each type. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective search from 2006 to 2012 using the keywords "short pancreas," "agenesis or hypoplasia of the dorsal pancreas," or "hypoplasia of the ventral pancreas." Clinical data and images were analyzed; finally, 24 patients with congenital short pancreas were included in this study. Imaging features of the 3 types of congenital short pancreas and their associated anomalies on MDCT were evaluated. RESULTS: Congenital short pancreas was classified into type 1 (agenesis or hypoplasia of the dorsal pancreas): no congenital anomaly but presence of diabetes mellitus (45%); type 2 (agenesis or hypoplasia of the pancreatic uncinate process): intestinal malrotation (100%); and type 3 (combined hypoplasia or agenesis of the uncinate process and dorsal pancreas): a spectrum of various congenital anomalies, including abdominal heterotaxy and abnormal spleen (100%). CONCLUSIONS: Recognizing the spectrum of agenesis or hypoplasia of the pancreas and morphologic classification of congenital short pancreas on MDCT may help radiologists detect and understand disease associated with congenital short pancreas.

Multidetector CT findings of bowel transection in blunt abdominal trauma.

OBJECTIVE: Though a number of CT findings of bowel and mesenteric injuries in blunt abdominal trauma are described in literature, no studies on the specific CT signs of a transected bowel have been published. In the present study we describe the incidence and new CT signs of bowel transection in blunt abdominal trauma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We investigated the incidence of bowel transection in 513 patients admitted for blunt abdominal trauma who underwent multidetector CT (MDCT). The MDCT findings of 8 patients with a surgically proven complete bowel transection were assessed retrospectively. We report novel CT signs that are unique for transection, such as complete cutoff sign (transection of bowel loop), Janus sign (abnormal dual bowel wall enhancement, both increased and decreased), and fecal spillage. RESULTS: The incidence of bowel transection in blunt abdominal trauma was 1.56%. In eight cases of bowel transection, percentage of CT signs unique for bowel transection were as follows: complete cutoff in 8 (100%), Janus sign in 6 (100%, excluding duodenal injury), and fecal spillage in 2 (25%). The combination of complete cutoff and Janus sign were highly specific findings in patients with bowel transection. CONCLUSION: Complete cut off and Janus sign are the unique CT findings to help detect bowel transection in blunt abdominal trauma and recognition of these findings enables an accurate and prompt diagnosis for emergency laparotomy leading to reduced mortality and morbidity.

Imaging findings of angiomyxolipoma of the spermatic cord mimicking inguinal hernia.

We report the case in a 72-year-old man who presented with a right inguinal mass and with a one month history that was initially interpreted as an inguinal hernia. Ultrasonography (US) and computed tomography (CT) demonstrated a right inguinal mass, including myxoid and fat component, extending from the right spermatic cord to the right inguinal subcutaneous layer. Mass excision was performed, and the diagnosis turned out to be angiomyxolipoma. Angiomyxolipoma is a rare tumor and the preoperative diagnosis of this disease is very difficult. However, angiomyxolipoma of the spermatic cord should be considered in the differential diagnosis in patients with an irreducible inguinal mass. Imaging diagnosis, such as US and CT may help to make a preoperative diagnosis.

Correlations of dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging with morphologic, angiogenic, and molecular prognostic factors in rectal cancer.

PURPOSE: To investigate the correlations between parameters of dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) and prognostic factors in rectal cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied 29 patients with rectal cancer who underwent gadolinium contrast-enhanced, T1-weighted DCE-MRI with a three Tesla scanner prior to surgery. Signal intensity on DCE-MRI was independently measured by two observers to examine reproducibility. A time-signal intensity curve was generated, from which four semiquantitative parameters were calculated: steepest slope (SLP), time to peak (Tp), relative enhancement during a rapid rise (Erise), and maximal enhancement (Emax). Morphologic prognostic factors including T stage, N stage, and histologic grade were identified. Tumor angiogenesis was evaluated in terms of microvessel count (MVC) and microvessel area (MVA) by morphometric study. As molecular factors, the mutation status of the K-ras oncogene and microsatellite instability were assessed. DCE-MRI parameters were correlated with each prognostic factor using bivariate correlation analysis. A p-value of <0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Erise was significantly correlated with N stage (r=-0.387 and -0.393, respectively, for two independent data), and Tp was significantly correlated with histologic grade (r=0.466 and 0.489, respectively). MVA was significantly correlated with SLP (r= -0.532 and -0.535, respectively) and Erise (r=-0.511 and -0.446, respectively). MVC was significantly correlated with Emax (r=-0.435 and -0.386, respectively). No significant correlations were found between DCE-MRI parameters and T stage, K-ras mutation, or microsatellite instability. CONCLUSION: DCE-MRI may provide useful prognostic information in terms of histologic differentiation and angiogenesis in rectal cancer.

Distinguishing hemangiomas from malignant solid hepatic lesions: a comparison of heavily T2-weighted images obtained before and after administration of gadoxetic acid.

PURPOSE: To compare the use of heavily T2-weighted images obtained before and after administration of gadoxetic acid in differentiating hemangiomas from malignant solid hepatic lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Heavily T2-weighted images (TE=150 msec) were obtained for 70 patients (42 men and 28 women) with 74 focal hepatic lesions (25 hepatocellular carcinomas [HCC], 22 metastases, and 27 hemangiomas) ≤3 cm in diameter before and after gadoxetic acid-enhanced dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Quantitative analysis was performed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves with lesion-to-liver signal intensity difference-to-noise ratio (SDNR) on precontrast and postcontrast images. Qualitative analysis was also performed by two blinded reviewers. RESULTS: The SDNR of the solid lesions was significantly higher on the postcontrast (1.66 ± 1.18) than on the precontrast (1.38 ± 1.07) images (P=0.0012), while the SDNR of hemangiomas was comparable for pre- and postcontrast images (P=0.8164). The best SDNR cutoff values for distinguishing solid lesions from hemangiomas were ≤1.85 (Az=0.948) for precontrast and ≤2.58 (Az=0.901) for postcontrast images (P=0.057). Reader performances for distinguishing hemangiomas from solid lesions were comparable between the precontrast (Az=0.975 and 0.970 for readers 1 and 2) and postcontrast (Az=0.977 and 0.972) images (P=0.899 and 0.946). CONCLUSION: Heavily T2-weighted images obtained after administration of gadoxetic acid have a diagnostic capability comparable to precontrast images for differentiating between small hemangiomas and malignant solid lesions of the liver.

Differentiation of benign and malignant ampullary obstructions on MR imaging.

OBJECTIVE: To define diagnostic criteria for differentiating malignant ampullary carcinoma from benign ampullary obstruction on MR imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nineteen patients with ampullary carcinoma and 22 patients with benign ampullary obstruction were enrolled. At the first session, two radiologists independently evaluated specific imaging findings, and then reached consensus decisions. At the second session, another two radiologists, who were informed about useful differentiation criteria based on the results from the first session, reviewed images and determined the causes of ampullary obstruction. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated for each interpretation session, and the Cohen κ statistic was used to evaluate interobserver agreement. RESULTS: Findings of the presence of an ampullary mass (P<0.001), papillary bulging (P<0.001), irregular (P=0.021) and asymmetric (P<0.001) common bile duct (CBD) narrowing, and proportional biliary dilatation (P<0.001) were more commonly seen in patients with an ampullary carcinoma. The sensitivity and specificity of the first session were 84.2% and 86.4% after consensus. The sensitivity increased to 100% for both the readers at the second session, while the specificity decreased to 63.6% and 59.1%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Identification of an ampullary mass, papillary bulging, irregular and asymmetric narrowing of the CBD, or proportional biliary dilatation may improve the diagnosis of ampullary carcinoma in patients with ampullary obstruction.

Three-dimensional contrast-enhanced hepatic MR imaging: comparison between a centric technique and a linear approach with partial Fourier along both slice and phase directions.

PURPOSE: To compare the image quality of two variants of a three-dimensional (3D) gradient echo sequence (GRE) for hepatic MRI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-nine patients underwent hepatic MRI on a 3.0 Tesla (T) magnet (Intera Achieva; Philips Medical Systems). The clinical protocol included two variants of a 3D GRE with fat suppression: (i) a "centric" approach, with elliptical centric k-space ordering and (ii) an "enhanced" approach using linear sampling and partial Fourier in both the slice and phase encoding direction. "Centric" and "Enhanced" 3D GRE images were obtained both precontrast (n = 32) and after gadoxetic acid injection (n = 39). Two reviewers jointly reviewed MR images for anatomic sharpness, overall contrast, homogeneity, and absence of artifacts. The liver-to-lesion signal difference ratio (SDR) was measured. Paired sample Wilcoxon test and paired t-tests were used. RESULTS: Enhanced 3D GRE images performed better than centric 3D GRE images with respect to anatomic sharpness (P = 0.0156), overall contrast (P = 0.0195), homogeneity (P < 0.0001), and absence of artifacts (P = 0.0003) on precontrast images. For postcontrast MRI, enhanced 3D GRE images showed better quality in terms of overall contrast (P = 0.0195), homogeneity (P < 0.0001), and absence of artifacts (P = 0.009). Liver-to-lesion SDR on enhanced 3D GRE images (0.48 ± 0.13) was significantly higher than that of conventional 3D GRE images (0.40 ± 0.19, P = 0.0004) on postcontrast images, but not on precontrast images. CONCLUSION: The enhanced 3D GRE sequence available on our scanner provided better hepatic image quality than the centric variant, without compromising lesion contrast.

Ultrasound and MR findings in sclerosing perineurioma.

Perineurioma is an unusual benign peripheral nerve sheath tumor that includes intraneural, soft tissue (conventional), reticular and sclerosing types. Sclerosing perineurioma is a recently described distinctive variant occurring nearly exclusively on the hands of young adults, in which it presents as a small, painless, dermal or subcutaneous mass. The only report of imaging findings in sclerosing perineurioma was by Miyake et al., who described the MR findings in 2006. However, there have been no reports of the ultrasound features. We report a 22-year-old man with sclerosing perineurioma and describe the lesion's ultrasound and MR features.

The utility of F-18 FDG PET/CT in the evaluation of pancreatic intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm.

PURPOSE: To assess the utility of F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG PET/CT) in evaluating pancreatic intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We included 31 patients with pancreatic IPMN who underwent F-18 FDG PET/CT and multidetector CT (MDCT). Each pancreatic lesion was classified as benign or malignant. On PET, the maximal standardized uptake value was measured in each pancreatic lesion. RESULTS: PET/CT was superior to MDCT in diagnosing malignant IPMN. All 22 concordant results gave accurate diagnoses. Of 9 discordant results, MDCT misdiagnosed 7 IPMNs, whereas PET/CT misinterpreted 2. Malignant IPMNs showed significantly higher maximal standardized uptake values (mean ± standard deviation, 6.7 ± 3.6) than benign IPMNs (mean ± standard deviation, 2.1 ± 1.0) (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: F-18 FDG PET/CT outperformed MDCT in detecting malignant IPMN.

Optimal T2-weighted MR cholangiopancreatographic images can be obtained after administration of gadoxetic acid.

PURPOSE: To compare the image quality and diagnostic performance with T2-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) cholangiopancreatographic images obtained before and after dynamic MR imaging performed with gadoxetic acid. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study was approved by the institutional review board, and informed consent was waived. Fifty-six patients suspected of having pancreatic or biliary disease underwent two-dimensional (2D) single-section and three-dimensional (3D) multisection MR cholangiopancreatography before and after dynamic imaging with gadoxetic acid. One radiologist measured the mean signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) and contrast-to-noise ratios (CNRs) of the common bile duct on precontrast and postcontrast images. Two radiologists independently reviewed the 2D and 3D MR cholangiopancreatographic images in random order. The depiction of each segment of the pancreaticobiliary duct, the presence of artifacts, background suppression, and overall image quality were assessed according to a four-point scale. Paired t, McNemar, and Wilcoxon signed rank tests were performed with a power analysis. Interobserver agreement was assessed by using the kappa statistic. RESULTS: Mean SNRs at precontrast MR imaging (2D, 50.8 +/- 45.1 [standard deviation]; 3D, 54.7 +/- 25.5) were similar to those at postcontrast MR imaging (2D, 48.5 +/- 45.7; 3D, 51.5 +/- 21.6). Mean CNRs were also similar between precontrast and postcontrast MR imaging (2D, 45.5 +/- 43.0 vs 44.2 +/- 45.2; 3D, 51.4 +/- 24.3 vs 48.7 +/- 21.0). Depiction scores for each segment of the pancreaticobiliary duct were also similar between 2D and 3D precontrast and postcontrast images. Both radiologists found that scores for background suppression were improved on postcontrast 2D MR images (3.79 and 3.84) compared with precontrast images (3.25 and 3.64). One of the two radiologists found that scores for artifacts (precontrast, 1.23; postcontrast, 1.09) and for overall image quality (precontrast, 3.54; postcontrast, 3.71) were improved at 2D postcontrast MR cholangiopancreatography. CONCLUSION: Both 2D and 3D MR cholangiopancreatography can be effectively performed immediately after gadoxetic acid-enhanced dynamic MR imaging in patients suspected of having biliary or pancreatic disease.

Added value of gadoxetic acid-enhanced hepatobiliary phase MR imaging in the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma.

PURPOSE: To determine the added value of hepatobiliary phase images in gadoxetic acid-enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in the evaluation of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Institutional review board approved this retrospective study and waived the informed consent. Fifty-nine patients with 84 HCCs underwent gadoxetic acid-enhanced MR examinations that included 20-minute delayed hepatobiliary phase imaging. MR imaging was performed with a 1.5-T system in 19 patients and a 3.0-T system in 40 patients. A total of 113 hepatic nodules were documented for analysis. Three radiologists independently reviewed two sets of MR images: set 1, unenhanced (T1- and T2-weighted) and gadoxetic acid-enhanced dynamic images; set 2, hepatobiliary phase images and unenhanced and gadoxetic acid-enhanced dynamic images. For each observer, the diagnostic accuracy was compared by using the area under the alternative free-response receiver operating characteristic curve (A(z)). Sensitivity and specificity were also calculated and compared between the two sets. RESULTS: For all observers, A(z) values were higher with the addition of the hepatobiliary phase. The observer who had the least experience in abdominal imaging (2 years) demonstrated significant improvement in A(z), from 0.895 in set 1 to 0.951 in set 2 (P = .049). Sensitivity increased with the addition of hepatobiliary phase images but did not reach statistical significance. Nine HCCs (10.7%) in six patients (10.1%) were seen only on hepatobiliary phase images. CONCLUSION: Hepatobiliary phase images obtained after gadoxetic acid-enhanced dynamic MR imaging may improve diagnosis of HCC and assist in surgical planning.

Comparison of two different injection rates of gadoxetic acid for arterial phase MRI of the liver.

PURPOSE: To compare two different injection rates for gadoxetic acid-enhanced hepatic arterial phase images on hepatic dynamic MRI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Hepatic arterial phase images were obtained after an intravenous bolus injection of gadoxetic acid at a rate of 1 mL/second in 62 patients and 2 mL/second in 64 patients on a 3 Tesla MR scanner using a test-bolus injection method. The signal-to-noise ratios (SNR) of the liver, portal vein, hepatic vein, aorta, spleen and pancreas were measured. The contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of hypervascular hepatic tumors was calculated. Two radiologists independently scored items to evaluate image quality of hepatic arterial phase and detected hypervascular hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). RESULTS: The SNR of the aorta on the arterial phase images was significantly higher in the 1 mL/second group (235.43 +/- 82.59) than in the 2 mL/second group (190.94 +/- 96.90, P < 0.05). The SNRs of the liver, spleen and pancreas, the CNRs of hypervascular hepatic tumors, the detection rate of hypervascular HCC and subjective ratings for the optimal arterial enhancement were comparable between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Injection rates of 2 mL/second and 1 mL/second provided comparable image qualities on arterial phase images of hepatic dynamic MRI using gadoxetic acid.

Differentiation of benign and malignant solid pseudopapillary neoplasms of the pancreas.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate differential imaging features between benign and malignant solid pseudopapillary neoplasms (SPN) of the pancreas on computed tomographic and magnetic resonance imagings. METHODS: Between January 2001 and January 2007, we identified 30 patients with confirmed SPN by surgery. The computed tomographic and magnetic resonance images were reviewed by 3 radiologists in consensus. Each tumor was analyzed for the following categories: location of tumor, tumor margin, proportion of solid component, morphology of capsule, growth pattern, calcification, and presence of upstream pancreatic ductal dilatation. RESULTS: Benign SPN usually had oval/round or smoothly lobulated margins, and malignant SPN more commonly had focal lobulated margins (P = 0.027). Presence of complete encapsulation was more frequently seen in benign SPN, whereas focal discontinuity of capsule was more commonly seen in malignant SPN (P = 0.005). There was no statistical difference between benign and malignant tumors in other imaging findings. CONCLUSIONS: A focal lobulated margin and a focal discontinuity of the capsule may suggest malignant SPN, whereas a round or smoothly lobulated margin and a complete encapsulation were more commonly seen in benign SPN.

Indicative findings of pancreatic cancer in prediagnostic CT.

We examined 20 prediagnostic CTs from 16 patients for whom the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer was delayed until full diagnostic CT was performed. Three radiologists independently reviewed the prediagnostic CTs along with 50 CTs of control subjects, including patients without pancreatic disease (n = 38) or with chronic pancreatitis without calcification visible on CT (n = 12). The reviewers recorded the presence of biliary or pancreatic ductal dilation, interruption of the pancreatic duct, distal parenchymal atrophy, contour abnormality and focal hypoattenuation. Frequency, sensitivity and specificity of the significant findings were calculated. Logistic regression analysis was performed. Findings indicative of pancreatic cancer were seen on 85% (17/20) of the prediagnostic CTs. Patients with pancreatic cancer were significantly (p < 0.05) more likely to show focal hypoattenuation, pancreatic duct dilation, interruption of the pancreatic duct, and distal parenchymal atrophy, with sensitivities and specificities of 75%/84%, 50%/78%, 45%/82% and 45%/96%, respectively. Focal hypoattenuation and distal parenchymal atrophy were the independent predictors of pancreatic cancer with odds ratios of 20.92 and 11.22, respectively. In conclusion, focal hypoattenuation and pancreatic duct dilation with or without interruption, especially when accompanied by distal parenchymal atrophy, were the most useful findings for avoiding delayed diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.

Effects of neoadjuvant combined chemotherapy and radiation therapy on the CT evaluation of resectability and staging in patients with pancreatic head cancer.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of neoadjuvant combined chemotherapy and radiation therapy (CCRT) on preoperative accuracy of multidetector computed tomography (CT) for resectability and tumor staging in patients with pancreatic head cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study received institutional review board approval and was exempted from informed consent requirements. From May 2002 to March 2007, 38 patients with pancreatic head adenocarcinoma underwent multidetector CT before surgery. Of these, 12 patients received neoadjuvant CCRT. Imaging findings were evaluated for tumor resectability and tumor staging. Surgical and pathologic results were used as the reference standard. The accuracy of resectability and individual components of each T category were compared between the patients with neoadjuvant CCRT and without it by using the chi(2) test or Fisher exact test. A P of less than .05 was considered as significant. RESULTS: The accuracy in determining resectability was 83% (10 of 12) in patients who had received neoadjuvant CCRT and 81% (21 of 26) in patients who had not, without significant difference (P > .05). Of 32 patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy, histopathologic tumor staging was reported for T1 (n = 2), T2 (n = 1), and T3 (n = 9) lesions in patents with neoadjuvant CCRT (n = 12), and for T3 in all patients without neoadjuvant CCRT (n = 20). T-staging accuracy was 67% (eight of 12) with neoadjuvant CCRT and 95% (19 of 20) without it, with a significant difference (P = .0185). CONCLUSION: Neoadjuvant CCRT reduces the accuracy of tumor restaging after treatment of pancreatic head cancer, but this effect is not so great as to affect the determination of resectability.