1) To recognize the classic MRI findings for cystic pathologies of the pancreas. 2) To have a pragmatic approach to management recommendations of cystic lesions of the pancreas based on current guidelines.
With the widespread use of cross sectional imaging cystic pancreatic lesions are being detected with increasing frequency. The dominance of pseudocyst as the commonest type of pancreatic cyst may no longer hold. Radiologists must be familiar with the features of cystic neoplasms. MRI offers excellent tissue contrast for characterization of pancreatic cysts as well as for assessment of relationship to the pancreatic duct which can be helpful for differential diagnosis. A number of MRI features can be used to help guide management and offer likely differential diagnosis and will be presented. At the same time MRI has resulted in increased detection of tiny incidental simple pancreatic cysts for which limited or no followup may be necessary. It is important to recognize that in some cases MRI and other non-invasive imaging methods cannot provide reliable diagnosis as there is substantial overlap in imaging findings between some benign and pre-malignant or malignant cystic neoplasm. These scenarios will be reviewed in the context of current published guidelinesto enable a pragmatic approach to pancreatic cyst evalautuon.
Haider, M,
Pancreatic Cysts—Achieving Consistency and Common Sense. Radiological Society of North America 2014 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, - ,Chicago IL.
http://archive.rsna.org/2014/13010385.html
