Utility of transabdominal ultrasound for surveillance of known pancreatic cystic lesions: prospective evaluation with MRI as reference standard

Objectives To prospectively assess the utility of transabdominal ultrasound in surveillance of known pancreatic cystic lesions (PCL) using same day MRI as reference standard. Methods In an IRB-approved study with written informed consent, patients with known PCL underwent pancreas US on same day as surveillance MRI. US was performed blinded to same date MRI results. Transverse (TR), antero-posterior (AP), cranio-caudal (CC), and longest any plane diameter, were measured for each PCL at US and MRI. Visualization was correlated with patient (weight, abdominal diameter, thickness of abdominal fat, sex) and cyst (location, size, internal complexity) factors. Results 252 PCLs evaluated in 57 subjects (39 females; mean age 67 (range 39–86) yrs). Mean maximum PCL diameter 8.5 (range 2–92) mm. US identified 100% (5/5) of cysts ≥3 cm; 92% (12/13) ≥2 and