Neuroendocrine tumors of the pancreas

Abstract

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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Because NET are often hypervascularized, abiphasic examination technique after contrast administration is mandatory for cross-sectional imaging. PET/CT with somatostatin analogues should be performed for further diagnosis.