Aim: Contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) is a new imaging method for detection and characterisation
of liver tumours. The role of CEUS in pancreatic disease is less obvious. We prospectively
evaluated CEUS for characterization of histologically proven solid pancreatic tumours.
Methods: 112 solitary undetermined pancreatic masses (70 ductal adenocarcinoma and 42 neoplastic
nodules of other origin) were prospectively examined in patients without metastatic
disease using transabdominal ultrasound. Tumour enhancing features were analyzed in
comparison to the surrounding pancreatic parenchyma in patients with adequate visualisation.
Results: The sign of iso- hypervascularity as a sign of benign tumours showed a sensitivity
of 100%, specifity of 90% and accuracy of 94%. The sign of hypovascularity as a sign
of malignant tumours showed a sensitivity of 90%, specifity of 100% and an accuracy
of 94%.
Conclusion: CEUS allows differential diagnosis of ductal adenocarcinoma, neuroendocrine tumours
and (microcystic) serous pancreatic adenoma in most cases.
