Spiral CT localization of pancreatic functioning islet cell tumors
Qing Xu, Wen-Hua Chen and Qing-Juan Huang
Nanjing, China
Author Affiliations: Department of Radiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China (Xu Q and Huang QJ); Department of Radiology, Third Affiliated Hospital of Suzhou University, Changzhou 213003, China (Chen WH) Corresponding Author: Qing Xu, MD, Department of Radiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China (Tel:86-25-83432963; Email: xuqingst@163.com)
BACKGROUND: Surgeons are always concerned about the localization of pancreatic functioning islet cell tumor. If the tumor is accurately localized before operation, resection of the pancreatic body and tail without intention can be avoided. The purpose of this study was to evaluate spiral CT localization of pancreatic functioning islet cell tumors and CT techniques.
METHODS: CT manifestations in 6 patients with clinically and pathologically proved pancreatic functioning islet cell tumors were analyzed retrospectively.
RESULTS: In 4 patients with insulinomas and 2 patients with glucagonomas, 5 were localized accurately by CT before surgery and 1 was detected retrospectively. The enhancement of tumors was greater than that of normal pancreas in arterial phase and pancreatic parenchymal phase. Four patients showed mild high-density and 2, iso-density in the portal venous phase.
CONCLUSION: Spiral CT multi-phase enhanced scan with 1.5 ml/kg contrast agent and 2-5 mm slice width can localize functioning islet cell tumors accurately.
2004, Vol. 3 
