Challenges in hepatic and pancreatic imaging

Abstract

Background: Hepatobiliary and pancreatic pathologies are relatively common and continue to present a variety of diagnostic challenges. Content: Imaging features of hepatic and pancreatic lesions will be reviewed with a special emphasis on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) findings. Clinical cases will be used as examples to illustrate typical and atypical presentations as well as common pitfalls and diagnostic challenges. The first part of the lecture is dedicated to imaging characterization of various liver lesions, especially in the clinical setting of liver cirrhosis. Differential diagnosis of such pathologies as regenerative and dysplastic liver nodules, focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH), intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), hepatic echinococcus alveolaris and hydatid cysts, atypical hemangiomas, hepatic metastases are discussed. The second part of the lecture is dedicated to discussing imaging and demographic features of common pancreatic cystic lesions, including pseudocysts, serous cystadenomas, mucinous cystic tumours, intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMN), solid pseudopapillary tumors, solid pseudopapillary tumours of the pancreas, etc. Interactive questions/answers with audience will be also used. Conclusions: Attendees will increase their familiarity with MRI and CT imaging features of hepatic and pancreatic lesions, common pitfalls and diagnostic challenges.