Evaluation of Pancreatic Lesions by Computed Tomography Scan: A Study Protocol

Background: The pancreas is a hidden organ and was one of the last organs in the abdomen to be analyzed by anatomists, physiologists, physicians, and surgeons. Pancreatic lesions may range from mild inflammation to malignancy. Ultrasound was the first cross-sectional technique that permitted direct imaging of the pancreas. It permitted precise visualization of pancreatic parenchyma, pancreatic ducts and bile ducts. This study aims to evaluate various pancreatic lesions using CT scan and assess their correlation with histopathological findings.

Methodology: This will be an observational study conducted at department of radiodiagnosis, AVBRH, Wardha. Total 180 patients with pancreatic disease confirmed by clinical, laboratory and ultrasonography will be enrolled in the study. All 180 patients will undergo plain and contrast enhanced CT scan. Results will be judged, based on the observations and finding on CT scan, biochemical and histopathological reports whenever possible. Modified CT Severity Index / Mortele Modified CTSI Scoring will be used to assess severity of acute pancreatitis and acute exacerbation of chronic pancreatitis.

Results: We expect to explore on the common etiological factors, gender and age distribution of various pancreatic diseases. Correlation between grade of acute pancreatitis according to modified CT severity index and clinical outcome of patients. In case of chronic will be evaluated.

Conclusion: CECT is excellent diagnostic modality to stage severity of inflammatory process and staging of neoplastic lesions. Severity grading in acute exacerbation of chronic pancreatitis will be meticulously observed and significant conclusive findings will be found. CECT imaging with its postprocessing techniques represents the image of choice for diagnosis and predicting pancreatic masses.