The purpose of this study was to clarify the biological behaviour of branch duct type intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) by evaluating serial changes at magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP). Fifty-two patients with a diagnosis of branch duct IPMN based on either endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) (9/52) and/or MRCP examination (43/52), were followed up over a mean period of 31.2 months (range 12-108). All imaging data were retrospectively reviewed by two radiologists in order to evaluate serial changes in the maximum diameter of the cystic lesion, in the presence of main pancreatic duct dilatation (MPD), and filling defects within the lesion. Statistical analysis was performed using the Fisher exact probability test. Serial MRCP proved growth in seven cases. In two cases the size decreased; in the remaining 43 there was no change in size. Lesions greater than 3 cm at presentation and the presence of MPD dilatation or filling defects at imaging were most likely to grow. Only 2/37 cystic lesions less than 3 cm in diameter grew in size over the period of observation. No cystic lesion showed changes in morphology and structure. Branch duct IPMNs smaller than 3 cm, without associated filling defects, tend to be stable, making 'watch and wait' management possible.

Author

Alessandro Guarise, Niccolo Faccioli, Mauro Ferrari, Roberto Salvia, Roberto Pozzi Mucelli, Giovanni Morana and Alec J. Megibow

Contact Details

Corresponding address:
Dr Giovanni Morana, Radiological Department, General Hospital Ca' Foncello, Piazza Ospedale 1, Treviso 31100, Italy

Reference

ICIS Cancer Imaging Volume 8 Issue 1
DOI: 10.1102/1470-7330.2008.0028

Date Posted

1 December 2008

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