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Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours: correlation between MSCT features and pathological classification

  • Computed Tomography
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Abstract

Objectives

We aimed to evaluate the multi-slice computed tomography (MSCT) features of pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (P-NENs) and analyse the correlation between the MSCT features and pathological classification of P-NENs.

Methods

Forty-one patients, preoperatively investigated by MSCT and subsequently operated on with a histological diagnosis of P-NENs, were included. Various MSCT features of the primary tumour, lymph node, and distant metastasis were analysed. The relationship between MSCT features and pathologic classification of P-NENs was analysed with univariate and multivariate models.

Results

Contrast-enhanced images showed significant differences among the three grades of tumours in the absolute enhancement (P = 0.013) and relative enhancement (P = 0.025) at the arterial phase. Univariate analysis revealed statistically significant differences among the tumours of different grades (based on World Health Organization [WHO] 2010 classification) in tumour size (P = 0.001), tumour contour (P < 0.001), cystic necrosis (P = 0.001), tumour boundary (P = 0.003), dilatation of the main pancreatic duct (P = 0.001), peripancreatic tissue or vascular invasion (P < 0.001), lymphadenopathy (P = 0.011), and distant metastasis (P = 0.012). Multivariate analysis suggested that only peripancreatic tissue or vascular invasion (HR 3.934, 95 % CI, 0.426–7.442, P = 0.028) was significantly associated with WHO 2010 pathological classification.

Conclusions

MSCT is helpful in evaluating the pathological classification of P-NENs.

Key Points

• P-NENs are potentially malignant, and classification of P-NENs carries important prognostic value.

• MSCT plays an important role in the diagnosis and staging of P-NENs.

• Correlations between classification of P-NENs and imaging findings have not been systematically evaluated.

• MSCT could predict P-NENs classification and may be a useful prognostication tool.

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Acknowledgments

The scientific guarantors of this publication are Dr. Shi-Ting Feng and Dr. Zi-Ping Li. The authors of this manuscript declare no relationships with any companies whose products or services may be related to the subject matter of the article. This study received funding from the following sources: National Natural Science Foundation of China (81000626), Zhujiang Scientific and Technological New Star Foundation (2012 J2200084), Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Privince (S2013010016004) and Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities of China (10ykpy11). Lianxiong Yuan (expert in statistics, Sun Yat-Sen University) kindly provided statistical advice for this manuscript. Institutional Review Board approval was obtained, and written informed consent was waived by the Institutional Review Board. No study subjects or cohorts have been previously reported. Methodology: retrospective diagnostic or prognostic study, performed at one institution.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, 58th, The Second Zhongshan Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China, 510080

    Yanji Luo, Zhi Dong, Zi-Ping Li & Shi-Ting Feng

  2. Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, 58th, The Second Zhongshan Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China, 510080

    Jie Chen

  3. Medical Imaging Department, Union Hospital, Hong Kong, 18 Fu Kin Street, Tai Wai, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong

    Tao Chan & Minhu Chen

  4. Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, 58th, The Second Zhongshan Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China, 510080

    Yuan Lin

Authors
  1. Yanji Luo
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  2. Zhi Dong
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  3. Jie Chen
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  4. Tao Chan
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  5. Yuan Lin
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  6. Minhu Chen
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  7. Zi-Ping Li
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Corresponding authors

Correspondence to Zi-Ping Li or Shi-Ting Feng.

Additional information

Yanji Luo and Zhi Dong contributed equally to this work.

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Luo, Y., Dong, Z., Chen, J. et al. Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours: correlation between MSCT features and pathological classification. Eur Radiol 24, 2945–2952 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-014-3317-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-014-3317-4

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