ObjectiveTo summarize the application of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the evaluation of pancreatic exocrine function.MethodIn this paper, we reviewed and summarized the related literatures about the application of MRI in the field of pancreatic exocrine function evaluation in recent years.ResultsA variety of MRI techniques could be used to detect the pancreatic exocrine function. In addition to conventional MRI techniques, there were also MRI stimulated by pancreatic secretions, cine (dynamic) cholangiopancreatography based on space selective reverse recovery pulse, and so on.ConclusionThe new MRI techniques have potential for semi-quantitative and quantitative evaluation of pancreatic exocrine function.
Objective To summarize the CT, MRI, and positron emission computed tomography (PET) imaging findings of hematologic malignancies of the pancreas, so as to improve the capacity of its diagnosis. Methods After searching articles concerning radiological research about hematologic malignancies of the pancreas, summarizing its imaging characteristics. Results Hematologic malignancies of the pancreas include pancreatic lymphoma, pancreatic multiple myeloma, myeloid sarcoma, posttransplantation lymphoproliferative disorder, and giant lymph node hyperplasia. ① Pancreatic lymphoma: imaging features of pancreatic lymphoma are segmental or diffuse homogeneous enlargement of the pancreas, diameter of mass >5 cm, adenopathy below the level of renal veins, and lack of pancreatic duct dilation. Blurred margins of pancreas by lymphadenopathy is highly suggestive of lymphoma. ② Pancreatic multiple myeloma: pancreatic multiple myeloma are hyperintense on both T1- and T2-weighted images. ③ Pancreatic granulocytic sarcoma: pancreatic granulocytic sarcoma present as homogeneous hypoenhancing mass on CT, usually without pancreatic duct dilation. On MRI, the lesions are isointense and mildly hyperintense on T1- and T2-weighted images respectively. ④ Posttransplantation lymphoproliferative disorder: diameter of leison of posttransplantation lymphoproliferative disorder usually is >5 cm with poor enhancement. Lesions are mildly hyperintense on T2-weighted images and extremely hypermetabolic on PET images. ⑤ Giant lymph node hyperplasia: it mainly appear as solitary noninvasive masses. Punctate calcification and surrounding supply vessels are observed in hyaline vascular type. Plasma cell type demonstrate unapparent enhancement and less calcification. Conclusions Hematologic malignancies of the pancreas manifest different imaging features on CT, MRI, and PET. Familiarity with such characteristics helps to early recognize diseases and determine next-step measures.
Sixteen cases unresectable carcinoma of the head of the pancreas complicated with jaundice were treated by one stage cholecysto-jejunal and gastro-jejunal loop double anastomosis, the same result of jaundice drainage and prevention of bile reflux were obtained when compared with simple cholecysto-jejunal loop anastomosis, on the other hand, the obstructive symptoms resulting from postoperative cancerous comppression of duodenum and pylorus were avoided as well. The operation is simple with less physiologic disturbance and the patient can lead better postoperative live.
Objective To investigate differential points of clinical symptoms and pathology of solid-pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas (SPTP) and islet cell tumor (ICT). Methods Fifteen cases of SPTP and twelve cases of ICT were studied in this retrospective research. Clinical symptom, pathologic feature and computed tomography (CT) image of patients with both tumors were analyzed, and the imaging features were compared with pathological results. Results The mean age of SPTP patients was 22.4 year-old. Twelve patients with SPTP presented a palpable abdominal mass as the initial symptom. It was observed that the tumor cells were located in a pseudopapillary pattern with a fibro-vascular core histologically. On the CT images, a mixture of solid and cystic structures could be seen in all the tumors. After taking enhanced CT scan, the solid portion was slightly enhanced in the arterial phase and the contrast intensity increased in the portal venous phase. On the other hand, the mean age of ICT patients was 39.3 year-old. The major symptom was due to the function of islet cell tumor, which was typical in 8 patients, presenting as Whipple triad. Histologically, cells demonstrated in trabecular, massive, acinar or solid patterns, and the blood supply of the tumor was abundant. On the CT images, most small tumors were difficulty to be detected. ICT could be markedly enhanced in the arterial phase and slightly enhanced in the portal venous phase on post-contrast CT scan. Conclusion Clinical symptom, pathologic feature and CT scanning are helpful to differentiate SPTP from ICT.
Objective To summarize the recent application progress of dual-energy CT in pancreatic imaging. Methods The domestic and international published literatures related to the application of dual-energy CT in pancreatic imaging in recent years were collected and reviewed. Results Dual-energy CT could provide the morphological image and function information of tissues and organs simultaneously. At present, the clinical application of dual-energy CT in pancreatic imaging included low tube voltage technology, iodine overlay, virtual non-enhanced imaging, and monoenergetic imaging. Conclusion Dual-energy CT could contribute to detecting pancreatic lesions, reducing radiation dose, and improving image quality in pancreatic imaging.
Objective To summarize the imaging manifestation and identification of ectopic pancreas (EP), so as to improve clinicians and radiologists’ knowledge of EP and aid in accurate preoperative diagnosis, thereby reducing the misdiagnosis rate and avoiding unnecessary surgery. Methods Combined with clinical experience and relevant literatures in recent years, the histopathology, common imaging manifestations and main differential diagnosis of ectopic pancreas were summarized. Results EP is a rare congenital developmental anomaly of pancreas, the most common location is the upper digestive system. At present, the commonly used imaging technology is computed tomography. The imaging findings of ectopic pancreas were similar to those of normal pancreas, and its density and enhancement characteristics were related to its histopathological composition. The specific signs of ectopic pancreas include “central umbilical sign” “ductal structure” and “flat/adherent sign”. Heterotopic pancreas should be differentiated from submucosal tumor of gastrointestinal tract. Conclusions The imaging findings of EP have certain characteristics. For some cases with atypical imaging findings, imaging diagnosis is difficult.
Objective To explore the effect of ghrelin on insulin secretion and expression of glucose transporter protein-2 （Glut-2） in isolated pancreas of rats. Methods Twenty five Wistar rats were randomly devided into normal control group （NC group）， high concentration of glucose group （HCG group）， high concentration of glucose with high concentration of ghrelin group （10-8mol/L， HCG＋HCGh group）， medium concentration of ghrelin group（10-9mol/L， HCG＋MCGh group）， and low concentration of ghrelin group （10-10mol/L， HCG＋LCGh group） with 5 rats in each group. The rat isolated pancreas perfusion models were established firstly， then from the distal end of abdominal aortas， the models were perfused with low concentration of glucose （5.5mmol/L）， high concentration of glucose （33.3mmol/L） or high concentration of glucose added with different concentrations of ghrelin. Levels of insulin outflowed from portal vein were tested by ELISA method， expression levels of Glut-2 protein were tested by immunohistochemical method，and ultrastructure changes of islet β cell were observed under the transmission electron microscope. Results There were no significant difference on levels of fasting blood glucose （FBG）， fasting insulins （FINS）， homeostasis model of assess-ment for insulin resistence index （HOMA-IR）， and homeostasis model of assessment for pancreatic β cell function （HOMA-β），（P＞0.05）. There were no significant difference on insulin levels of effluent from portal vein of 5 groups （P＞0.05） when isolated pancreas perfused with 5.5mmol/L glucose， while had 2 secretion peaks in 3min and 10-12min after 33.3 mmol/L glucose perfusion， where HCG＋HCGh group at the top. The mean density value of Glut-2 protein in NC group was higher than that of other 4 groups （P＜0.05）. The results of transmission electron microscopy showed that apoptosis was lighter in NC group than that of other 4 groups， and apoptosis of HCG＋HCGh group was lighter than that of HCG＋MCGh group and HCG＋LCGh group. Conclusions In isolated pancreas of rats， ghrelin promotes high concentration of glucose-stimulated insulin secretion， decreases expression of Glut-2 protein， and protects the islet β cell.
ObjectiveTo summarize the perioperative management experience and the treatment strategy of hyperkalemia after simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplantation (SPK).MethodThe clinical data of patients with diabetes combined with end-stage renal disease who accepted SPK in the Organ Transplantation Center of West China Hospital of Sichuan University from November 2017 to November 2019 were retrospectively analyzed.ResultsA total of 6 patients accepted SPK totally. The cold ischemia time of all allografts was less than 8 h. The levels of fasting blood glucose and serum creatinine were normal in the 5 surviving patients, and the diabetic complications were relieved or improved, except for 1 patient who died of cardiac arrest due to acute left heart failure. There were 1 case of delayed primary renal function recovery, 2 cases of bleeding in the surgical area of pancreas transplantation, 1 case of gastrointestinal bleeding, 3 cases of microthrombosis in the blood vessels of pancreas transplantation, 2 cases of perirenal effusion infection, 2 cases of pulmonary infection, and 1 case of ureterobladder anastomotic leakage, all of which were cured after symptomatic treatment. Only 2 patients occurred hyperkalemia after SPK (the highest level was 6.49 mmol/L and 6.67 mmol/L respectively), and transfusion of 10% glucose injection contain insulin, emergency dialysis and oral fludrocortisone were successively performed on them to restore the potassium density in 1 month and 2 months after surgery. There were no complications of perioperative surgical technical hemorrhage, intestinal leakage, large arteriovenous thrombosis, necrotizing pancreatitis, etc.ConclusionsSPK is the most effective treatment for patients with diabetes combined with end-stage renal disease. Transfusion of 10% glucose injection contain insulin, emergency dialysis, and oral fludrocortisone are effective strategies in treating hyperkalemia after SPK.
Objective To review research progress of pancreas stellate cells in pancreas fibrosis and understand characteristics and activation of pancreas stellate cells and its mechanism on pancreas fibrosis. Method The relevant literatures about pancreas stellate cells and its studies in pancreas fibrosis were reviewed. Results The activation of pancreatic stellate cell is associated with fibrosis of pancreatitis and end stage of pancreas transplantation, but its effect and regulation mechanisms for the extracelluar and intracellular molecular network need to be further investigated. Conclusion Elucidation of activation of pancreas stellate cells will facilitate understanding of pancreas fibrosis and searching new target in treatment of pancreas fibrosis.
ObjectiveTo compare surgical safety and postoperative efficacy of total mesopancreas excision (TMpE) with pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) and standard PD (Whipple).MethodsA total of 123 patients underwent PD in the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University from August 2013 to December 2017 were included, including 47 patients with pancreatic head carcinoma and 76 patients with periampullary carcinoma, then were divided into a TMpE group and a Whipple group respectively. The operative time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative hospitalization time, postoperative recovery time of gastrointestinal function, postoperative complications, and postoperative survival of patients with the same site between the Whipple group and the TMpE group were retrospectively compared.Results① There were no significant differences in the baseline data between the TMpE group and the Whipple group in the pancreatic head carcinoma and periampullary carcinoma (P>0.05). ② For the patients with pancreatic head carcinoma, there were no significant differences in the operative time, postoperative hospitalization time, and postoperative gastrointestinal function recovery time between the TMpE group and the Whipple group (P>0.05), but the intraoperative blood loss in the TMpE group was significantly higher than that in the Whipple group (P=0.038); For the patients with periampullary carcinoma, the above indexes had no significant differences between the TMpE group and the Whipple group (P>0.05). ③ The total incidence of complications in the TMpE group was significantly higher than that in the Whipple group for the patients with pancreatic head carcinoma (χ2=6.595, P=0.010), which had no significant difference between the TMpE group and the Whipple group for the patients with periampullary carcinoma (P>0.05). ④ The cumulative survival curve in the TMpE group was better than that in the Whipple group for the patients with pancreatic head carcinoma (χ2=9.597, P=0.002), which had no significant difference between the TMpE group and the Whipple group for the patients with periampullary carcinoma (χ2=0.844, P=0.358).ConclusionsFor patients with pancreatic head cancer, comparing with standard Whipple, although TMpE PD increases intraoperative blood loss and overall incidence of complications, it could significantly improve long-term survival and there are no significant differences in postoperative recovery time and operative safety between Whipple and TMpE; For patients with periampullary carcinoma, there are no significant differences in surgical safety, long-term survival rate, and survival time between TMpE and Whipple.