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01-06-2017 | Original Article

Contour variations of the body and tail of the pancreas: evaluation with MDCT

Authors: Ahmad Khalid Omeri, Shunro Matsumoto, Maki Kiyonaga, Ryo Takaji, Yasunari Yamada, Kazuhisa Kosen, Hiromu Mori, Hidetoshi Miyake

Published in: Japanese Journal of Radiology | Issue 6/2017

Abstract

Purpose

To analyze morphology/contour variations of the pancreatic body and tail in subjects free of pancreatic disease.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed triple-phase, contrast-enhanced multi-detector row computed tomography (3P-CE-MDCT) examinations of 449 patients who had no clinical or CT evidence of pancreatic diseases. These patients were evaluated for morphologic/contour variations of the pancreatic body and tail, which were classified into two types. In Type I, a portion of normal pancreatic parenchyma protrudes >1 cm in maximum diameter from the body or tail (Ia-anteriorly; Ib-posteriorly). Type II was defined as a morphologic anomaly of the pancreatic tail (IIa-globular; IIb-lobulated; IIc-tapered; IId-bifid).

Results

Thirty-eight (8.5%) out of 449 patients had body or tail variations. Of those, 23 patients showed Type I variant: Ia in 21 and Ib in two. Type II variant was identified in 15 patients: IIa in eight, IIb in two, IIc in two and IId in three. Protrusion of the anterior surface of the normal pancreas, especially in the tail, was the most frequently occurring variant.

Conclusions

Recognizing the types and subtypes of morphology/contour variations of the pancreatic body and tail could help prevent misinterpretation of normal variants as pancreatic tumors on unenhanced MDCT.

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Title: Contour variations of the body and tail of the pancreas: evaluation with MDCT
Authors: Ahmad Khalid Omeri
Shunro Matsumoto
Maki Kiyonaga
Ryo Takaji
Yasunari Yamada
Kazuhisa Kosen
Hiromu Mori
Hidetoshi Miyake
Publication date: 01-06-2017
Publisher: Springer Japan
Published in: Japanese Journal of Radiology / Issue 6/2017
Print ISSN: 1867-1071
Electronic ISSN: 1867-108X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11604-017-0635-x

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Springer Medicine

Contour variations of the body and tail of the pancreas: evaluation with MDCT

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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