Conduct an overall review of IPMN considering epidemiological data, concepts of anatomopathology and molecular biology, aspects of its natural history and manifestations in term of imaging. We placed particular emphasis on the key factors for correct diagnosis and classification, especially on findings that are suspicious for malignancy or invasion. The role of other complementary diagnostic techniques and management are also discussed. Key factors for radiological diagnosis, classification and management are shown.

Introduction The role of diagnostic imaging techniques is crucial in focal pancreatic lesions, not only because radiologists often discover the injury as an incidental finding, but also because imaging is decisive in differential diagnosis. This is particularly important in the wide range of pancreatic cystic lesions (PCL) that vary from benign congenital lesions to neoplasms that include Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasm (IPMN), a known precursor of pancreatic cancer. IPMN was first described by Ohhashi in1982 in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). The increase in the number...

Radiological findings Ultrasound has a limited role in the diagnosis of IPMN. Multiphasic CT scans should be performed with intravenous contrast as it provides better spatial resolution. Dilatation observed in MD-IPMN (often >1cm) and diffuse or segmental tortuosity of MPD, sometimes associated with atrophy, mural nodules or calcifications. Fig. 8 BD-IPMN show single or multiple cystic lesions, often polymorphic and located in the head of the pancreas. Fig. 9 CT is used not only to diagnose and classify IPMNs, but also to detect signs of...

Pancreatic IPMN is a premalignant condition that can develop into cancer. The role of imaging techniques is: Establish diagnosis, Classify subtype (main duct, branch duct, mixed), Determine localisation, Detect signs of malignant transformation and/or invasions.

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