Objective
To summarize the CT, MRI, and positron emission computed tomography (PET) imaging findings of hematologic malignancies of the pancreas, so as to improve the capacity of its diagnosis.
Methods
After searching articles concerning radiological research about hematologic malignancies of the pancreas, summarizing its imaging characteristics.
Results
Hematologic malignancies of the pancreas include pancreatic lymphoma, pancreatic multiple myeloma, myeloid sarcoma, posttransplantation lymphoproliferative disorder, and giant lymph node hyperplasia. ① Pancreatic lymphoma: imaging features of pancreatic lymphoma are segmental or diffuse homogeneous enlargement of the pancreas, diameter of mass >5 cm, adenopathy below the level of renal veins, and lack of pancreatic duct dilation. Blurred margins of pancreas by lymphadenopathy is highly suggestive of lymphoma. ② Pancreatic multiple myeloma: pancreatic multiple myeloma are hyperintense on both T1- and T2-weighted images. ③ Pancreatic granulocytic sarcoma: pancreatic granulocytic sarcoma present as homogeneous hypoenhancing mass on CT, usually without pancreatic duct dilation. On MRI, the lesions are isointense and mildly hyperintense on T1- and T2-weighted images respectively. ④ Posttransplantation lymphoproliferative disorder: diameter of leison of posttransplantation lymphoproliferative disorder usually is >5 cm with poor enhancement. Lesions are mildly hyperintense on T2-weighted images and extremely hypermetabolic on PET images. ⑤ Giant lymph node hyperplasia: it mainly appear as solitary noninvasive masses. Punctate calcification and surrounding supply vessels are observed in hyaline vascular type. Plasma cell type demonstrate unapparent enhancement and less calcification.
Conclusions
Hematologic malignancies of the pancreas manifest different imaging features on CT, MRI, and PET. Familiarity with such characteristics helps to early recognize diseases and determine next-step measures.
