Role of MDCT (128 slice scanner) in evaluation of focal pancreatic mass lesions

AIM OF THE STUDY: 1. To determine the accuracy of MDCT (128 slice) in evaluation of focal pancreatic mass lesions. 2. To characterize the lesions into cystic/benign /malignant based on the MDCT imaging. 3. To correlate the MDCT findings with endoscopic ultrasound findings where it is applicable. 4. To correlate the MDCT findings with available surgical, cytological, histopathological findings & also follow up. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 42 Patients with clinical findings / biochemical markers / ultrasound findings suggestive of pancreatic lesions were subjected to MDCT (SIEMENS SOMATOM DEFINITION EDGE 128 SLICE SCANNER) prospectively. The radiological findings were then compared to the endoscopic findings / available surgical / cytological /histopathological findings and the results were compared in order to determine the efficacy of 128-slice MDCT in the evaluation and characterization of focal pancreatic mass lesions. RESULT: In our study the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value of 128-slice MDCT in evaluation of malignant focal pancreatic lesions are 88.8%, 95%, 94%, 92% respectively and the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value of 128-slice MDCT in evaluation of benign focal pancreatic lesions are 95%, 88.8%, 92%, 94% respectively. CONCLUSION: We conclude that 128-slice MDCT is highly sensitive and accurate in detecting and characterizing the focal pancreatic mass lesions, thereby complementing endoscopic ultrasound. The final results of this study are comparable to previous pioneer studies conducted worldwide