An Illustrative Review of Solid Pancreatic Masses: Differential Diagnostic Features of CT and MRI Findings

Abstract

The purposes of this article are to review the computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of various solid pancreatic masses and to correlate them to pathologic features, to illustrate typical and atypical imaging findings of solid pancreatic masses, and to learn the crucial CT and MRI findings in differentiating solid pancreatic masses. Presenting cases are divided into three categories as solid tumors, cystic tumors mimicking solid masses, and tumor-like lesions. Review of CT and MRI findings is performed and imaging-pathologic correlation is performed. Typical and atypical cases are presented. The major teaching points of this article are as follows; atypical presentations of solid pancreatic masses may give us much instructive information, detailed evaluation of the morphological features as well as enhancement pattern on dynamic study is essential in diagnosing solid pancreatic masses, and signal intensity of the lesion on MRI can play an important role in differentiating solid pancreatic masses.