A study on G-I series on pancreatic carcinoma

Han, M C

Abstract

To date, conventional U.G.I series and hypotonic duodenography play key role in the diagnosis of carcinoma ofpancreas. However, findings in these studies are nonspecific for carcinoma of pancreas, because these studies areindirect visualization of neighboring hollow viscus. Author reviewed 29 cases of operatively confirmed carcinomaof pancreas retrospectively, and obtained significant results. Most frequent and reliable finding in the diagnosisof carcinoma of pancreas is compression defect in the posterior wall of stomach with or without widening ofretrogastric space. As contrary to the fact that most radiologists considered C-loop widening to be sine qua non,it is demonstrated in only 44%. Instead, C-loop was collapsed in 41% of cases. This is considered to be due toextensive involvement of duodenum and localized adhesive process in the vicinity of carcinoma. In fact, C-loopwidening is not characteristic finding of carcinoma of pancreas. One must obserbed his own radiographsmeticulously and conclusion should be made after consideration of every possibilities in the diagnosis ofcarcinoma of pancreas.