Multidetector CT imaging of the pancreatic groove: differentiating carcinomas from paraduodenal pancreatitis.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to identify multidetector row CT (MDCT) findings that differentiate paraduodenal pancreatitis (PDP) from groove carcinomas (GC).

METHODS: Two radiologists retrospectively reviewed various imaging features on pancreas protocol CT scans of 8 PDP and 8 GC patients. Two-tailed Fisher's Exact Test was used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS: MDCT findings correlating with PDP included benign common bile duct morphology (P<.01), duodenal wall thickening (P<.05), and cystic groove lesions (P<.01). A statistical difference in gastroduodenal artery (GDA) encasement was not observed (P=.119).

CONCLUSIONS: There are several MDCT findings that favor PDP over GC. However, presence of GDA encasement is not a reliable distinguishing feature.