Pancreatic Calcifications and Calcified Pancreatic Masses: Pattern Recognition Approach on CT

The purpose of this article is to review a spectrum of calcified pancreatic masses and propose an algorithm for diagnostic radiologic evaluation.

Pancreatic calcifications are being detected more frequently because of the widespread use of imaging, particularly CT. Pancreatic calcifications are most commonly associated with chronic pancreatitis related to alcohol abuse. Several other pathologic entities, however, can cause pancreatic calcifications. Familiarity with these entities and their CT appearance is helpful in making an accurate diagnosis.