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Multiple imaging modalities for the study of pancreatic disease
Seminars in Nuclear Medicine
|January 1, 1979
Summary
This review highlights the challenges in diagnosing pancreatic disease. It introduces a decision chart to guide the selection of imaging modalities like ultrasound and CT, especially when functional radionuclide scans are needed.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Pancreatic disease diagnosis is challenging.
- Anatomical imaging (ultrasound, CT) may be normal or equivocal.
- Functional imaging is sometimes necessary.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review imaging modalities for pancreatic disease.
- To present a diagnostic decision chart.
- To optimize pancreatic work-up for accuracy and cost-effectiveness.
Main Methods:
- Review of gray scale ultrasonography (US) and computed tomography (CT).
- Discussion of radionuclide pancreas scans (single photon emission, positron emission CT).
- Presentation of a diagnostic imaging decision chart.
Main Results:
- US and CT are primary imaging tools.
- Radionuclide scans offer functional insights when anatomical imaging is inconclusive.
- A decision chart aids in selecting appropriate imaging modalities.
Conclusions:
- The pancreas remains a difficult diagnostic area.
- Optimizing work-up requires balancing cost, accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity.
- A structured approach using a decision chart can improve diagnostic outcomes.