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Computed tomography of peripancreatic fat planes
G R Wittich1, E van Sonnenberg, S A Willson
1Department of Radiology, University of California San Diego Medical Center.
European Journal of Radiology
|November 1, 1987
Summary
The absence of fat planes around the superior mesenteric artery suggests pancreatic disease. However, absent fat planes near other vessels or bowel loops is often normal, not indicating pancreatic issues.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Gastroenterology
- Abdominal Imaging
Background:
- Peripancreatic fat plane obliteration on CT scans is typically linked to pancreatic tumors or pancreatitis.
- However, this finding can also occur in individuals without pancreatic disease, necessitating further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate normal variations in pancreatic anatomy and its relationship with surrounding structures in patients without pancreatic disease.
- To differentiate between pathological and normal causes of absent peripancreatic fat planes on computed tomography (CT) scans.
Main Methods:
- CT scans of 125 patients with no clinical or CT evidence of pancreatic disease were retrospectively analyzed.
- The study assessed the integrity of fat planes between the pancreas and adjacent structures, including the superior mesenteric artery (SMA), superior mesenteric vein (SMV), inferior vena cava (IVC), and bowel loops.
Main Results:
- The fat plane between the pancreas and the SMA was preserved in all patients (100%).
- Fat planes between the pancreas and the SMV, IVC, and adjacent bowel loops were partially or completely obliterated in 13% to 50% of patients.
Conclusions:
- Absence of the fat plane adjacent to the SMA is a strong indicator of pancreatic pathology.
- The lack of fat planes between the pancreas and other splanchnic vessels or bowel loops is frequently a normal anatomical variant and an unreliable sign of pancreatic disease.
