Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 16, 2026

An Obstructive Chronic Pancreatitis Model Established Through Electrocoagulation
Published on: October 31, 2025
Intense PET signal in the degenerative necrosis superimposed on chronic pancreatitis
Yukihiro Yokoyama1, Masato Nagino, Takashi Hiromatsu
1Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Nagoya Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan.
Abstract:
Although fluorine-18 deoxyglucose-positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) is a sensitive diagnostic modality in detecting malignant tumors, differential diagnosis of malignant tumors from inflammatory lesion is challenging. We experienced a case of acute degenerative necrosis superimposed on chronic pancreatitis, which was difficult to distinguish from pancreatic cancer. The patient was a 66-year-old man with a complaint of upper abdominal pain. Abdominal computed tomography revealed low-density masses in the head and body of the pancreas. FDG-PET revealed intense accumulations at the head and body of the pancreas (mean standard uptake value for the head and body pancreatic tumors was 4.1 and 6.7, respectively) corresponding to the 2 tumors detected by computed tomography. Because of a possible malignant pancreatic tumor, the patient underwent pylorus-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy. Histologic examination of the resected specimen revealed a characteristic of chronic pancreatitis in a nontumorous area. Two tumors detected by FDG-PET consisted of degenerative necrosis surrounded by granulation tissue. The amount of granulation tissue was correlated to the levels of standard uptake value. No malignant tumors were observed. This case suggests a limitation of FDG-PET in distinguishing malignant neoplastic lesions in the pancreas, especially from acute degenerative changes in chronic pancreatitis. Repetitive PET examination is recommended for the accurate diagnosis.
Related Concept Videos
Chronic Pancreatitis I: Introduction
Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas, which occurs when the immune system becomes active and causes swelling, pain, and disruptions in organ function. Pancreatitis can manifest as either an acute or chronic condition.
Acute pancreatitis arises suddenly and lasts for a brief duration, while chronic pancreatitis is a long-term affliction...
Chronic Pancreatitis I: Introduction
Chronic Pancreatitis II: Pathophysiology
Acute Pancreatitis II: Pathophysiology
Acute Pancreatitis I: Introduction
Acute Pancreatitis I: Introduction
Acute pancreatitis is characterized by rapid inflammation of the pancreas, often caused by factors like gallstone blockage or excessive alcohol consumption. Chronic pancreatitis, on the other hand, is a slow, progressive inflammation that may result from long-term alcohol abuse, obstructions in the pancreatic duct, or genetic factors.
The causes of acute pancreatitis include:

