2023 Volume 48 Issue 2 Pages 141-150
Purpose: We aimed to study the characteristic findings of pancreatic metastatic tumors on transabdominal ultrasound images.
Subjects and Methods: We reviewed 32 patients who underwent transabdominal ultrasound and were histologically diagnosed with pancreatic metastatic tumor. The ultrasound findings were retrospectively analyzed. Differences in ultrasound findings according to the primary site were also reviewed.
Results and Discussion: Major ultrasound findings from the 27 cases that could be visualized were as follows: clear and smooth or rough contour in 22 cases (81%), homogenous in 23 cases (85%), and hypoechoic echotexture in 18 cases (67%). Marginal hypoechoic zone, cystic component, blood flow signal, and hyperechoic spots were found in approximately half of the tumors, but are also seen in other pancreatic solid tumors, making it challenging to distinguish between them. In contrast, in cases of renal cell carcinoma (12 cases), marginal hypoechoic zone and blood flow signal were frequently observed [in 11 cases (92%) and 10 cases (83%), respectively].
Conclusion: In this study, it was challenging to identify specific ultrasound findings of pancreatic metastatic tumors because of the variety of primary sites and small number of cases. However, intratumoral blood flow signal and marginal hypoechoic zone were commonly seen and were thought to be distinctive findings in cases of renal cell carcinoma.
