Mucinous cystadenocarcinoma of the pancreas. Ultrasonographic findings in 5 cases.

The ultrasonographic findings in 5 patients (4 males, 1 female, mean age 70 years) presenting with mucinous cystadenocarcinoma of the pancreas are described. The lesion was located in the head and body of the pancreas in 2 cases, in the head alone in 2 others, and in the tail in one. The size ranged from 40 to 85 mm (mean 64 mm). Internal septa were seen in 5 patients, endocystic proliferation in 2, parietal calcifications in 1 and mixed cystic-solid areas in 3. The estimation of CEA in the fluid collected by sonographic guided puncture may be useful in diagnosis. Guided microbiopsy and fine needle cytology performed in 3 cases confirmed the diagnosis. Moreover, ultrasonography clearly showed the modifications of the vessels (splenic and portal veins, inferior vena cava) secondary to the tumor. It is concluded that ultrasonography with guided puncture is a simple, inexpensive and effective method for the diagnosis of mucinous cystadenocarcinoma of the pancreas.