Multidetector CT imaging features of solid pseudopapillary tumours of the pancreas in male patients: distinctive imaging features with female patients

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To describe multidetector CT imaging features of solid pseudopapillary

tumours (SPTs) in male patients and to compare these imaging features with those

found in female patients. METHODS: The institutional review board approved this

retrospective study. We included the CT images of 72 patients (M:F = 12:60; mean

age, 35.0 years) diagnosed with SPT by histology. CT images were reviewed on the

following: location of the tumour, maximal diameter, shape, margin and the

fraction of the tumour composition. Statistical differences in CT imaging

features were analysed. RESULTS: Male patients with SPTs were significantly older

than female patients (42.4 years vs 33.4 years, p = 0.0408) and the mean size of

the SPTs in male patients was larger (6.3 cm vs 4.6 cm, p = 0.0413) than that of

SPTs in female patients. Lobulated shape of the SPTs was most frequent in male

patients, whereas oval shape was most frequent in female patients (p = 0.0133).

SPTs in male patients tended to have a solid component (p = 0.0434). Progressive

enhancement in the solid portion of the tumour was seen in 9 (81.8%) of 11 SPTs

in male patients and in 30 (79.0%) of 38 SPTs in female patients on multiphasic

CT. CONCLUSION: The imaging features of SPTs in male patients usually appeared as

a somewhat large-sized solid mass with a lobulated margin and progressive

enhancement. These imaging features may help to differentiate SPTs from other

pancreatic tumours for their proper management. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE: SPTs in

male patients appear as somewhat large-sized solid masses with lobulated margins,

and this form occurs more frequently in older male patients than in female

patients.