[Neuroendocrine tumors of the pancreas]. / Neuroendokrine Tumoren des Pankreas.

CLINICAL/METHODOLOGICAL ISSUE: Neuroendocrine tumors (NET) of the pancreas fall into the group of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (GEP-NEN). The assignment of imaging morphological criteria to this heterogeneous group of complex tumors is often difficult. STANDARD RADIOLOGICAL METHODS: Diagnostic ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography-CT (PET/CT) are available for the detection of pancreatic NET (also referred to as NEN) and for the diagnosis of spread and the search for metastases. METHODOLOGICAL INNOVATIONS: In particular, nuclear medicine examination methods with somatostatin analogues are of high value, since they make tumors visible with high sensitivity via radioactively labeled receptor ligands. PERFORMANCE: CT and MRI have high detection rates of pancreatic NET. Further developments, such as diffusion imaging, have further improved these traditional cross-sectional imaging diagnostics. However, nuclear medicine methods are an important component in detection and are superior to CT and MRI. ACHIEVEMENTS: It is important for the radiologist to be familiar with NET of the pancreas, as it is an important differential diagnosis-also with regard to prognosis-of other pancreatic lesions. PRACTICAL RECOMMENDATIONS: Because NET are often hypervascularized, a biphasic examination technique after contrast administration is mandatory for cross-sectional imaging. PET/CT with somatostatin analogues should be performed for further diagnosis.