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  • Title: Carcinoma of the head of the pancreas: evaluation of the pancreaticoduodenal veins with dynamic CT--potential for improved accuracy in staging.
    Author: Hommeyer SC, Freeny PC, Crabo LG.
    Journal: Radiology; 1995 Jul; 196(1):233-8. PubMed ID: 7784573.
    Abstract:
    PURPOSE: To determine if detection of abnormal dilatation of pancreaticoduodenal veins can improve the accuracy of computed tomographic (CT) staging of pancreatic adenocarcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: CT scans obtained during bolus administration of contrast material in 86 patients (aged 34-85 years) with pancreatic head carcinoma were reviewed. The diameter of the small veins that surround the head of the pancreas was measured (normal diameter of gastrocolic trunk, < or = 7 mm; of anterior superior pancreaticoduodenal vein, < or = 4 mm; of posterior superior pancreaticoduodenal vein, < or = 4 mm). RESULTS: Twenty-nine abnormally dilated peripancreatic veins were identified in 22 patients. Twenty-two of these dilated veins were in 16 patients with other CT criteria of tumor unresectability; seven dilated veins were in six patients with tumors deemed resectable at CT. All tumors in these latter six patients were unresectable at surgery. CONCLUSION: Although dilatation of these small peripancreatic veins without other CT criteria of tumor unresectability is an unusual finding, it may be a reliable sign of unresectable pancreatic carcinoma.
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