Imaging classification of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma with histological large duct pattern

Objectives

To investigate the imaging features of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) with histological large duct pattern.

Methods

Our study included 37 patients (mean age, 66.5 years; 22 women) with surgically proven PDAC with histological large duct pattern, whose imaging features were classified into four types: Type I, solid mass; Type II, predominantly cystic mass with intracystic solid components; Type III, predominantly solid mass with intratumoral cysts; and Type IV, solid mass with peritumoral retention cysts or pseudocysts. Two radiologists independently analyzed both CT and MRI images for the morphological type, presence of abrupt main pancreatic duct (MPD) cutoff, adjacent vascular invasion, diffusion restriction, and reached consensus.

Results

On CT, 26 patients (70.3%) had Type I tumors, five (13.5%) had Type II, three (8.1%) had Type III, and three (8.1%) had Type IV. Among the 26 patients with Type I tumors on CT, 16 had tumors with multiple intratumoral cysts within the solid mass on MRI and were subsequently classified as Type III. Accordingly, 10 patients (27.0%) were classified as Type I, five (13.5%) as Type II, 19 (51.7%) as Type III, and three (8.1%) as Type IV on MRI. Of the 37 patients, 27 (73.0%) had an abrupt MPD cutoff, 15 (40.5%) had adjacent vascular invasion, and 25 (67.6%) had diffusion restriction on MRI.

Conclusions

Predominantly solid pancreatic masses with small intratumoral cysts visualized on MRI may be a characteristic imaging finding of PDAC with histological large duct pattern, and differentiate it from conventional PDAC or other cystic pancreatic tumors.

Clinical relevance statement

Radiologists should be familiar with the various imaging features of PDAC with histological large duct pattern and should be aware that it may mimic other solid or cystic tumors of the pancreas.

Key Points

Imaging features of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma with histological large duct pattern can be classified into four types.

This pathology more frequently appears as a predominantly solid mass with intratumoral cysts on MRI than on CT.

Adding MRI to CT may help identify pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma with histological large duct pattern.

Graphical Abstract