Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine, Vol 20, Issue 11 1229-1232, Copyright © 2001 by American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine
Sonographic findings of solid and papillary epithelial neoplasm of the pancreas
D. H. Lee, B. H. Yi, J. W. Lim and Y. T. Ko
Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Kyung Hee University Hospital, Seoul, Korea.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the sonographic findings of solid and papillary
epithelial neoplasm of the pancreas, a rare tumor occurring in young women.
METHODS: The sonographic findings of 11 cases of pathologically proven
solid and papillary epithelial neoplasm of the pancreas were
retrospectively evaluated. RESULTS: In 6 cases (55%), combined cystic and
solid portions of the masses were observed, whereas only solid-looking
masses without anechoic cystic portions were seen in 4 cases (36%). One
case (9%) had marginal calcification, consequently, the internal
architecture was not evaluated by sonography. Internal echoes were seen in
3 of 6 cystic and solid masses. Septa were seen in 3 cases. Among 11 cases
of solid and papillary epithelial neoplasm, tumor margins were well defined
in 10, and tumor capsules were detected in 9 (echogenic in 7 and hypoechoic
in 2). Calcifications were seen in 3 cases (27%). CONCLUSIONS: The
characteristic sonographic findings of solid and papillary epithelial
neoplasm were well-encapsulated, cystic, and solid masses, but sometimes
the mass was seen as a pure solid-looking mass or had internal septations
or calcifications.