Mimics of pancreatic neoplasms at cross-sectional imaging: Pearls for characterization and diagnostic work-up

Interpreting imaging examinations of the pancreas can be a challenge. Several different entities can mimic or mask pancreatic neoplasms, including normal anatomic variants, non-pancreatic lesions, and both acute and chronic pancreatitis. It is important to distinguish these entities from pancreatic neoplasms, as the management and prognosis of a pancreatic neoplasm, particularly adenocarcinoma, have considerable impact on patients. Normal pancreatic variants that mimic a focal lesion include focal fatty atrophy, annular pancreas, and ectopic pancreas. Extra-pancreatic lesions that can mimic a primary pancreatic neoplasm include vascular lesions, such as arteriovenous malformations and pseudoaneurysms, duodenal diverticula, and intra-pancreatic accessory spleen. Both acute and chronic pancreatitis can mimic or mask a pancreatic neoplasm and are also associated with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Awareness of these entities and their imaging features will enable the radiologist to narrow the differential diagnosis, provide recommendations that expedite diagnosis and avoid unnecessary work-up or delays in patient care.