Impact of expanding indications on surgical and oncological outcome in 1434 consecutive pancreatoduodenectomies.

BACKGROUND: Over the years, high-volume pancreatic centers expanded their indications for pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) but with unknown impact on surgical and oncological outcome. METHODS: All consecutive PDs performed between 1992-2017 in a single pancreatic center were identified from a prospectively maintained database and analyzed according to three time periods. RESULTS: In total, 1434 patients underwent PD. Over time, more elderly patients underwent PD (P < 0.001) with increased use of vascular resection (10.4 to 16.0%, P < 0.001). In patients with cancer (n = 1049, 74.8%), the proportion pT3/T4 tumors increased from 54.3% to 70.6% over time (P < 0.001). The postoperative pancreatic fistula (16.0%), postpancreatectomy hemorrhage (8.0%) and delayed gastric emptying (31.0%) rate did not reduce over time, whereas median length of stay decreased from 16 to 12 days (P < 0.001). The overall failure-to-rescue rate (6.9%) and in-hospital mortality (2.2%) remained stable (P = 0.89 and P = 0.45). In 523 patients with pancreatic cancer (36.5%), the use of both adjuvant and neoadjuvant chemotherapy increased over time (both p<0.001), and the five-year overall survival improved from 11.0% to 17.4% (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In a period where indications for PD expanded, with more elderly patients, more advanced cancers and increased use of vascular resections, surgical outcome remained favorable and five-year survival for pancreatic cancer improved.

Impact of Organic Cation Transporters (OCT-SLC22A) on Differential Diagnosis of Intrahepatic Lesions.

Positron emission tomography (PET) using the cationic compound [18F]fluoromethylcholine (FCH) enhances the sensitivity for noninvasive classification of hepatic tumors due to peculiar patterns of accumulation. The underlying transporters are not known. We aim to identify the carriers mediating uptake of FCH in liver and to correlate their expression pattern with PET intrahepatic signal distribution to clarify the role of membrane transporters in FCH accumulation. FCH transport was characterized in cells overexpressing organic cation transporters (OCTs). OCT mRNA levels were determined in different types of hepatic lesions and correlated with FCH PET signal intensity. Additionally, OCT1 and OCT3 protein was analyzed in a subset of patients by Western blotting. HEK293 cells overexpressing OCT1, OCT2, or OCT3 showed higher intracellular levels of FCH in comparison with wild-type cells. mRNA levels of OCT1 paralleled protein levels and were significantly downregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), hepatocellular adenoma (HCA), and, to a lesser extent, in focal nodular hyperplasia compared with matched nontumor tissues. In three patients with HCA, the FCH PET signal intensity was reduced relative to normal liver. This correlated with the simultaneous downregulation of OCT1 and OCT3 mRNA. In another patient with HCA, lesion and surrounding tissue did not show a difference in signal, coinciding with downregulation of OCT1 and upregulation of OCT3. Therefore, OCT1 is very likely a key transporter for the accumulation of FCH in the liver. The data support the hypothesis that the varying expression levels of OCT1 and OCT3 in focal liver lesions determine FCH PET signal intensity.

Long-term outcomes of resection in patients with symptomatic benign liver tumours.

BACKGROUND: Benign liver tumours (e.g., hepatocellular adenoma (HCA), focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH), and haemangioma) are occasionally resected for alleged symptoms, although data on long-term outcomes is lacking. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess long-term outcomes of surgical intervention. METHODS: Forty patients with benign tumours (HCA 20, FNH 12, giant haemangioma 4, cysts 4) were included. Patients filled in Validated McGill Pain Questionnaires, preoperatively and after a median of 54 months after resection. Outcomes were evaluated using paired sample t-test and (M) ANOVA. RESULTS: Relief of symptoms sustained in 30/40 patients, within a follow-up of 54 (24-148) months after resection. VAS scores were reduced from 5.5 preoperatively to 1.6 postoperatively (p < 0.001). Patients with left-sided tumours had higher postoperative Pain Rating Index (PRI), compared to patients with right-sided tumours: 15.3 vs. 5.8 (p = 0.018). If patients could reconsider undergoing surgery, 34/38 would again choose resection. Discomfort at the operative scar was the most common complaint: 8/40 patients, all after open surgery, of whom 3/40 had an incisional hernia. 7/40 patients had a laparoscopic resection. CONCLUSION: Resection relieved symptoms in 30/40 patients. The operative scar was a frequent source for remaining postoperative complaints, suggesting an advantage for a laparoscopic approach when feasible.

Diagnostic accuracy of (18) F-methylcholine positron emission tomography/computed tomography for intra- and extrahepatic hepatocellular carcinoma.

UNLABELLED: Diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) primarily involves imaging. The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of (18) F-fluorocholine ((18) F-FCH) positron emission tomography (PET) for detection of HCC and evaluation of extent of disease. Patients with HCC >1 cm were included between 2009 and July 2011, and follow-up closed in February 2013. Diagnosis was based on American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases criteria, and all patients underwent (18) F-FCH PET/computed tomography (CT) at baseline before treatment, 6 underwent a second PET/CT posttreatment, and 1 a third during follow-up. Whole-body PET and low-dose CT imaging were performed 15 minutes after (18) F-FCH injection. Evaluation of imaging was done with standardized uptake value (SUV) ratios: SUV maximum of the lesion divided by the SUV mean of surrounding tissue. Statistical analyses included descriptive analyses, receiver operating characteristic curve, McNemar's test, and Kaplan-Meier's test at 5% level of significance. Twenty-nine patients revealed 53 intrahepatic lesions. In 48 of 53 lesions, (18) F-FCH PET was positive (SUVratio , 1.95 ± 0.66; sensitivity, 88%; specificity, 100%). PET/CT showed uptake in 18 extrahepatic lesions and no uptake in 3 lesions affirmed non-HCC lesions; all lesions were confirmed with additional investigation (accuracy, 100%). In 17 of 29 patients, additional lesions were found on PET/CT imaging, with implications for treatment in 15 patients. Posttreatment PET/CT showed identical results, compared with standard treatment evaluation. CONCLUSION: This study shows additional value of (18) F-FCH PET/CT for patients with HCC. (18) F-FCH PET/CT has implications for staging, management, and treatment evaluation because of accurate assessment of extrahepatic disease.

Outcomes of liver resection in hepatocellular adenoma and focal nodular hyperplasia.

OBJECTIVES: The clinical management of hepatocellular adenoma (HCA) and focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) is still subject to controversy, especially with respect to patient selection for surgery. The aim of this prospective cohort study was to assess the outcomes of surgical intervention. METHODS: Between January 2008 and September 2012, patients diagnosed with FNH or HCA based on magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography were enrolled in this prospective study. Resection was undertaken in patients with HCA of > 5 cm or symptomatic lesions. Lesion characteristics, extent of liver resection (minor: fewer than three segments; major: three or more segments), morbidity (by Dindo-Clavien class), mortality, postoperative length of stay and symptoms [McGill Pain Questionnaire, including a visual analogue scale (VAS)] were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 110 patients (106 female; median age: 39 years) were included; 51 patients had HCA and 59 had FNH. Of the 110 patients, 49 underwent resection (33 HCA patients; 16 FNH patients). Laparoscopic minor resection was performed in five HCA and five FNH patients; open minor resection was performed in 19 HCA and seven FNH patients, and open major resection was performed in nine HCA and four FNH patients. Severe postoperative complications were observed in four patients (Grade III, n = 3; Grade IV, n = 1). Median baseline scores on the VAS were 6 in FNH patients and 7 in HCA patients; the median VAS score after resection was 0 (P = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: If patients with HCA and FNH require surgery, limited resection can be carried out with low morbidity and without mortality. Patients with preoperative symptoms show a high rate of postoperative symptom relief.

Diagnostic accuracy of MRI in differentiating hepatocellular adenoma from focal nodular hyperplasia: prospective study of the additional value of gadoxetate disodium.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this article is to prospectively determine the sensitivity of hepatobiliary phase gadoxetate disodium-enhanced MRI combined with standard MRI in differentiating focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) from hepatocellular adenoma (HCA). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Patients suspected of having FNH or HCA larger than 2 cm underwent gadoxetate disodium-enhanced MRI. Standard MRI was evaluated separately from the additional hepatobiliary phase by two blinded radiologists. For the largest lesion in each patient, findings were compared with histologic diagnosis. Sensitivity, positive predictive value (PPV), and distinctive features were analyzed using McNemar and analysis of variance tests. RESULTS: Fifty-two patients completed the study. Histologic diagnosis revealed 24 HCAs and 28 FNHs. Characterization on standard MRI was inconclusive in 40% (21/52) and conclusive in 60% (31/52) of lesions. The sensitivity of standard MRI for HCA was 50% (12/24) with a PPV of 100% (12/12). The sensitivity for FNH was 68% (19/28) with a PPV of 95% (18/19). After review of hepatobiliary phase, the sensitivity for HCA improved to 96% (23/24) with a PPV of 96% (23/24). The sensitivity for FNH improved to 96% (27/28) with a PPV of 96% (27/28). Features with significant predictive value for diagnosis in HCA included bleeding (p < 0.001), fat (p = 0.010), and glycogen (p = 0.024). The presence of a central scar was predictive for FNH (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: This study shows high sensitivity of gadoxetate disodium-enhanced MRI when standard series are combined with the hepatobiliary phase for differentiation of FNH and HCA in lesions larger than 2 cm.

Interobserver Variability in CT-based Morphologic Tumor Response Assessment of Colorectal Liver Metastases.

Purpose To evaluate interobserver variability in the morphologic tumor response assessment of colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) managed with systemic therapy and to assess the relation of morphologic response with gene mutation status, targeted therapy, and Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) version 1.1 measurements. Materials and Methods Participants with initially unresectable CRLM receiving different systemic therapy regimens from the randomized, controlled CAIRO5 trial (NCT02162563) were included in this prospective imaging study. Three radiologists independently assessed morphologic tumor response on baseline and first follow-up CT scans according to previously published criteria. Two additional radiologists evaluated disagreement cases. Interobserver agreement was calculated by using Fleiss κ. On the basis of the majority of individual radiologic assessments, the final morphologic tumor response was determined. Finally, the relation of morphologic tumor response and clinical prognostic parameters was assessed. Results In total, 153 participants (median age, 63 years [IQR, 56-71]; 101 men) with 306 CT scans comprising 2192 CRLM were included. Morphologic assessment performed by the three radiologists yielded 86 (56%) agreement cases and 67 (44%) disagreement cases (including four major disagreement cases). Overall interobserver agreement between the panel radiologists on morphology groups and morphologic response categories was moderate (κ = 0.53, 95% CI: 0.48, 0.58 and κ = 0.54, 95% CI: 0.47, 0.60). Optimal morphologic response was particularly observed in patients treated with bevacizumab (P = .001) and in patients with RAS/BRAF mutation (P = .04). No evidence of a relationship between RECIST 1.1 and morphologic response was found (P = .61). Conclusion Morphologic tumor response assessment following systemic therapy in participants with CRLM demonstrated considerable interobserver variability. Keywords: Tumor Response, Observer Performance, CT, Liver, Metastases, Oncology, Abdomen/Gastrointestinal Clinical trial registration no. NCT02162563 Supplemental material is available for this article. © RSNA, 2022.

Are peritoneal calcifications in long-term peritoneal dialysis related to aortic calcifications and disturbances in mineral metabolism?

BACKGROUND: Peritoneal calcifications are associated with long-term peritoneal dialysis (PD). Case reports have suggested a relation with disturbances in mineral metabolism such as the presence of severe hyperparathyroidism. Our aim was to investigate whether relationships are present between peritoneal calcifications and aortic calcifications or disturbances in mineral metabolism in long-term PD patients. METHODS: We included all long-term PD patients (PD ≥ 4 years) in our centre from 1996 to 2008 who had undergone an abdominal computed tomographic (CT) scan. The scans were reviewed by two experienced radiologists in consensus. The presence or absence of peritoneal calcifications was scored, and a severity scoring system for abdominal aortic calcifications was used: 1 = none, 2 = mild, 3 = moderate, 4 = severe and 5 = very severe. For each patient, laboratory data on plasma calcium corrected for albumin, phosphorus and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels were retrieved every 6 months up to 5 years prior to the CT scan. Individual mean values over 5 years were calculated. RESULTS: We included 31 patients: 12 patients with peritoneal calcifications and 19 patients without. No difference was found in aortic calcification scores (median scores: 3 versus 3). Also, median (range) calcium, 10.7 (9.6-11.5) versus 10.3 (9.4-11.3) mg/dL; phosphorus, 5.2 (3.4-7.0) versus 4.9 (2.9-6.5) mg/dL; and PTH levels, 271 (101-910) versus 263 (40-1197) pg/mL were not different between patients with and without peritoneal calcifications. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of peritoneal calcifications in long-term PD patients could not be related to the presence of aortic calcifications or disturbances in mineral metabolism. Perhaps, local peritoneal factors play a role in the formation of peritoneal calcifications.

Imaging modalities for focal nodular hyperplasia and hepatocellular adenoma.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: There are several imaging modalities available for the detection of focal liver lesions. Differentiation between focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) and hepatocellular adenoma (HCA) is important because of the consequences for management. However, differentiation based on imaging alone still shows limitations. METHODS: We reviewed the literature for typical features of FNH and HCA on radiologic and nuclear imaging with emphasis on differentiation of both lesions. RESULTS: Seven articles describe the performance of an imaging modality for the differentiation between FNH and HCA. Limitations of these studies are the small sample size and/or the lack of comparison with the 'gold standard', i.e. histological diagnosis. No studies are available that compare the accuracy of several imaging modalities in the differentiation of FNH and HCA. Conventional ultrasound (US) is not useful in the differentiation because of the non-specific features. On contrast-enhanced US, the arterial filling direction of FNH is centrifugal and centripetal in case of HCA. The parenchymal enhancement of FNH is sustained in the portal venous and delayed phases, but shows rapid washout in case of HCA. Multiphase CT scan can differentiate FNH from HCA when there is a central scar. FNH may have a slightly higher relative enhancement in the arterial phase. On MRI with hepatocyte-specific contrast agents, HCA does not show contrast uptake in the hepatobiliary phase in contrast to FNH. CONCLUSION: We conclude that there is limited evidence of the diagnostic performance of currently used imaging modalities for the differentiation of FNH and HCA. We therefore propose a prospective study (DiFA trial) to determine the accuracy of several radiologic and nuclear imaging studies in differentiating FNH and HCA.

Diagnostic strategies for pre-treatment staging of patients with oesophageal cancer.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Current guidelines for staging oesophageal cancer recommend a series of preoperative investigations. There is no consensus on the recommended order for these investigations or whether all investigations are necessary in all patients. Our aim was to determine an efficient strategy for pre-treatment staging of patients with oesophageal cancer. METHODS: We retrospectively compared 15 staging strategies, based on all possible orders of all possible subsets of three staging modalities (computed tomography, endoscopic ultrasonography and external ultrasonography of the neck). We assumed that if distant metastases or local irresectability were found and confirmed, no further investigations would be performed. Main outcome was the minimal number of investigations needed to detect all patients with incurable disease. RESULTS: Using all three investigations in all 412 patients would lead to performance of 1,236 investigations. Both strategies starting with computed tomography or endoscopic ultrasonography and ending with external ultrasonography were most efficient, using a total of 1,112 investigations. CONCLUSION: The use of a conditional staging strategy with a specific order of imaging can reduce the number of tests necessary to identify incurable patients with oesophageal cancer by 10%. In our opinion, this is not enough to recommend implementation of a logistically more complex diagnostic system.

Computed tomographic findings characteristic for encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Computed tomography (CT) is often used to confirm the diagnosis of encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis (EPS) but there is no consensus on specific CT abnormalities. To establish CT findings characteristic for EPS, we compared CT findings between EPS patients and long-term peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients without EPS. METHODS: We included as cases all EPS patients in our center from 1996 to 2008 that underwent a CT scan at the time of diagnosis. Controls were all other long-term PD patients (PD duration > or = 4 years) without EPS that had a CT scan for different reasons. The CT scans were blindly and independently reviewed by 3 radiologists: 2 abdominal radiologists with PD knowledge (Observers 1 and 2) and 1 radiologist without PD experience (Observer 3). RESULTS: We included 15 EPS patients and 16 controls. Observer 1 found 6 CT findings that were significantly more often present in EPS than in controls (p < or = 0.05): peritoneal enhancement, thickening, and calcifications; adhesions of bowel loops; signs of obstruction; and fluid loculation/septation. Observer 2 scored almost identically but Observer 3 scored differently. The sensitivity and specificity of a combination of specific CT findings were, respectively, 100% and 94% for Observers 1 and 2, and 79% and 88% for Observer 3. CONCLUSION: CT scans showed characteristic abnormalities that were significantly more often present in EPS patients compared to long-term PD control patients. CT can be used to confirm the diagnosis of EPS when experienced radiologists apply a combination of specific CT findings.

Two Cases of Hepatoblastoma in Young Adults.

Adult hepatoblastoma (AHB) is a rare liver tumor with a poor prognosis in adolescents and adults. This contrasts with hepatoblastoma in children and is not fully understood. Here we describe two adolescents with AHB who were treated in our hospital. Adolescents are likely to receive less intensive chemotherapy protocols and are treated in hospitals with less experience in pediatric oncology, resulting in poor outcome. More research is necessary for optimal treatment of AHB in adolescents. Adolescents with AHB should be referred to hospitals experienced in pediatric oncology and receive intensive chemotherapy, followed by hemihepatectomy.

Hepatic epithelioid haemangioendothelioma (HEHE): a diagnostic dilemma between haemangioma and angiosarcoma.

We present a case of a 77-year-old male patient with a liver tumour diagnosed as hepatic epithelioid haemangioendothelioma (HEHE), a potentially malignant tumour treated with liver resection. The patient is disease-free 3 years after resection. Imaging features using fludeoxyglucose F 18 positron emission tomography CT and MRI with gadoxic acid as well as histopathological findings are discussed.

The vanishing duodenal polyp: mesenteric invagination presenting as duodenal pseudopolyp.

Duodenal polypoid masses are an uncommon finding mainly diagnosed incidentally at endoscopy or surgery. We report a 39-year-old female patient with symptoms of intermittent stabbing pain in the upper right abdominal quadrant and an iron deficiency anaemia, without complaints of weight loss, haematemesis or melaena. A duodenal polyp and acute duodenitis have been described during endoscopic examinations and CT and ultrasound. Surgical excision of the polyp was advised. Intraoperatively, an elongated duodenum was remarkable; however, at duodenotomy, no polyp was found, nor during intraoperative endoscopy. Looking back at the endoscopy and imaging results, it was noted that the polyp varied in size and location. It was therefore concluded that we dealt with the pseudopolyp phenomenon, caused by invagination of the duodenal wall and its mesentery into the duodenum, presenting as a lipomatous pseudopolyp. Telescopic invagination of the duodenal wall was facilitated by the elongated hypermobile duodenum.

The use of 18F-fluoromethylcholine PET/CT in differentiating focal nodular hyperplasia from hepatocellular adenoma: a prospective study of diagnostic accuracy.

INTRODUCTION: Diagnosis of focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) and hepatocellular adenoma (HCA) using conventional imaging techniques can be difficult; however, it is important to differentiate between them as these benign liver tumors require different therapeutic strategies. The aim of our study was to prospectively evaluate the use of PET/computed tomography (CT) with F-fluoromethylcholine (F-FCH) as a novel diagnostic approach in the differentiation between HCA and FNH. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-six consecutive patients with a suspicion of one or multiple HCAs or FNHs larger than 2 cm were prospectively included after written informed consent was obtained from them. All the patients underwent a PET/CT with F-FCH. Histopathology of the lesions was the standard of reference. The ratio of the standardized uptake value (SUV) of the lesions compared with normal liver uptake within the same patient was calculated. Statistical tests were evaluated at the 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: Forty-nine patients with 60 lesions and histopathological diagnosis of FNH or HCA completed the study and were analyzed. The mean SUV ratio for FNH was 1.67±0.31 (mean±SD, n=28), resulting in a positive likelihood ratio of 32.3 for PET-positive FNH. The mean SUV ratio for HCA was 0.82±0.17 (n=32), with a likelihood ratio of ∼100 for PET-negative HCA. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed an optimal SUV ratio cutoff value of 1.13, which reached 100% sensitivity and 97% specificity in differentiating FNH from HCA. CONCLUSION: This prospective study shows that PET/CT with F-FCH can accurately differentiate FNH from HCA and may become a valuable diagnostic tool when conventional imaging techniques fail to do so.

Case report of a smuggler's dinner: carrots and asparagus, or bolitas?

BACKGROUND: Body packing is a distinct method of drug smuggling. Surgeons and intensive care specialists will be confronted with body packers when packets do not pass spontaneously and rupture, causing drug toxicity. CASE REPORT: We report of a 32-year-old Liberian male who presented with abdominal complaints and anxiety after having ingested 50 cocaine-containing packets of which 49 had passed the natural route in the previous days. X-ray of his abdomen showed a structure possibly compatible with a packet in or projected over the stomach. We decided to transfer the patient to the operation theatre for surgical removal via gastrotomy. However, no packet was found. During his first day in the intensive care unit he did not regain consciousness. Repeated urine analyses for cocaine were negative. After one day he deteriorated: he needed circulatory support because of hypotension, without signs of sepsis. Repeated surgery revealed no packet. In the end he turned out not to be suffering from cocaine intoxication. CONCLUSIONS: When confronted with a case of body packing in which packets do not pass spontaneously and produce bowel obstruction or in which badly wrapped packets rupture, causing drug toxicity, it is of utmost importance to establish the nature of the packet's content.

Value of CT criteria in predicting survival in patients with potentially resectable pancreatic head carcinoma.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Survival is often poor after resection of pancreatic tumors. We correlated the pre-operative CTs with survival to find criteria that have prognostic value. To establish the prognostic value of CT in patients with potentially resectable pancreatic head carcinoma. METHODS: In 71 consecutive patients with potentially resectable pancreatic head carcinoma, prognostic factors on CT were scored, for example, tumor size, peripancreatic infiltration, grades of vascular encasement, and local irresectability. All patients underwent surgical exploration. CT findings were compared with results of surgery and histopathology. Prognostic factors for resected and unresected tumors were analyzed using single and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: Forty-one of 71 tumors were resected (24 radical). The sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value of CT for surgical irresectability were 0.67, 0.63, and 0.57, respectively. For a non-radical resection, these were 0.62, 0.75, and 0.83, respectively. The median survival was 21 months for resectable tumors and 9.7 months for unresectable tumors. For resected tumors, a tumor diameter of > 3 cm (relative hazard 3.8) and CT signs of local unresectability showed a poor survival. The median survival of resected tumors <2 cm was nearly 30 months. CONCLUSION: CT signs of local irresectability and a tumor diameter of >3 cm predict a poor survival after resection.

Ultrasonography, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging for diagnosis and determining resectability of pancreatic adenocarcinoma: a meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To compare ultrasonography (US), computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the diagnosis and determination of resectability of pancreatic adenocarcinoma. METHODS: Articles reporting US, CT, or MRI data of patients with known or suspected pancreatic adenocarcinoma and at least 20 patients verified with histopathology, surgical findings, or follow-up were included. A bivariate random effects approach was used to calculate sensitivity and specificity for diagnosis and resectability of pancreatic adenocarcinoma. RESULTS: Sixty-eight articles fulfilled all inclusion criteria. For diagnosis, sensitivities of helical CT, conventional CT, MRI, and US were 91%, 86%, 84%, and 76% and specificities were 85%, 79%, 82%, and 75% respectively. Sensitivities for MRI and US were significantly lower compared with helical CT (P = 0.04 and P = 0.0001). For determining resectability, sensitivities of helical CT, conventional CT, MRI, and US were 81%, 82%, 82, and 83% and specificities were 82%, 76%, 78%, and 63% respectively. Specificity of US was significantly lower compared with helical CT (P = 0.011). CONCLUSIONS: Helical CT is preferable as an imaging modality for the diagnosis and determination of resectability of pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

Reinterpretation of radiological imaging in patients referred to a tertiary referral centre with a suspected pancreatic or hepatobiliary malignancy: impact on treatment strategy.

Our objective was to determine the clinical importance of reinterpretation of radiological investigations performed in a referring hospital and the value of additional investigations in a referral centre. A panel of four experts retrospectively evaluated the technical quality of radiological investigations and made reinterpretation reports, of 78 patients referred with a suspected pancreatic or hepatobiliary malignancy. The value of additional radiological investigations performed in the referral centre was assessed. The quality of ultrasound and CT examinations was sufficient for reinterpretation in (36 of 69) 52% and (42 of 60) 70%, respectively. The reinterpretation reports of the ultrasound investigations were scored as "in accordance" in (30 of 36) 83%, as "minor discordance" in (3 of 36) 8% and as "major discordance" in (3 of 36) 8%. For CT proportions of (29 of 42) 69%, (8 of 42) 19% and (5 of 42) 12%, respectively, were found. Additional ultrasound ( n=55) showed no additional findings in 16%, minor additional findings in 53% and major additional findings in 31% of cases. For additional spiral CT scan ( n=47) results were of 21, 47 and, 32%, respectively. Reinterpretation of ultrasound and CT resulted in a change in treatment strategy for 7 patients (9%). Additional ultrasound or CT resulted in a change in treatment strategy for 24 patients (30%). Improved communication and reinterpretation of radiological investigations may reduce unnecessary referral.