Solid pseudopapillary neoplasm of the pancreas

Case contributed by Sajoscha A. Sorrentino
Diagnosis possible

Presentation

Patient received a CT scan to exclude pulmonary artery embolism. On the scan a mass adjacent to the pancreas was seen and further investigation was suggested. No abdominal symptoms were present.

Patient Data

Age: 35 years
Gender: Female

Well defined oval hypodense lesion is seen anterior to the neck/body of the pancreas, with claw sign to the gland, suggesting the pancreatic origin of the lesion. No upstream pancreatic duct dilatation, no evidence of gland atrophy. 

Mass ventral to the pancreas (26 x 20 mm) with claw sign indicating that it arises from the pancreas itself rather than being located adjacent to it and distorting the outline.

High signal intensity in the T2W sequence indicates cystic parts, but continuing contrast enhancement is also present.

No evidence of signal loss on out-of-phase images. 

Case Discussion

The findings indicated that the tumor may be a solid pseudopapillary neoplasm of the pancreas (Hamoudi tumor). 

Less likely is a serous or mucinous tumor. Biopsy was recommended for further investigation.

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