Spiral CT findings and pathological characteristics of solid pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas

Abstract

Objective To investigate the spiral CT features of solid pseudopapillary tumor of pancreas (SPTP). Methods Spiral CT features of 34 SPTP cases confirmed by surgery and pathology were analyzed retrospectively. Results There were 30 females and 4 males. Tumors located in the tail, head, body and neck of the pancreas were respectively in 14, 11, 6 and 3 cases. The maximum diameter was 2.0- 20.0 cm, with an average of 6.5 cm. There were 29 cases of solid-cystic mass with a CT value of 12.6- 21.3 HU and 5 cases of solid mass with a CT value of 24.5-42.8 HU; Complete capsule were observed in 24 cases, while incomplete capsule were observed in 10 cases; 15 cases were found with tumor calcification, 13 with hemorrhage and 2 cases with liver metastasis. After dynamic enhancement, the solid part and capsule showed progressive and slight enhancement in the arterial phase with a CT value of 30.1-43.6 HU, and slight enhancement in portal phase with a CT value of 41.2-68.9 HU, and persistent enhancement in delayed phase with a CT value of 48.2-63.8 HU. Conclusions Spiral CT features of SPTP are characterized by progressive enhancement of solid mass in enhanced scan. Key words: Pancreatic neoplasms; Tomography, spiral computed