Review
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World J Radiol. Jan 28, 2012; 4(1): 13-20
Published online Jan 28, 2012. doi: 10.4329/wjr.v4.i1.13
CT and MR imaging patterns for pancreatic carcinoma invading the extrapancreatic neural plexus (Part II): Imaging of pancreatic carcinoma nerve invasion
Hou-Dong Zuo, Wei Tang, Xiao-Ming Zhang, Qiong-Hui Zhao, Bo Xiao
Hou-Dong Zuo, Wei Tang, Xiao-Ming Zhang, Qiong-Hui Zhao, Bo Xiao, Sichuan Key Laboratory of Medical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong 637000, Sichuan Province, China
Author contributions: Zhang XM was responsible for checking the manuscript and provided financial support for this work; Zhao QH and Xiao B provided the collection of all the material; Zuo HD and Tang W designed the study and wrote the manuscript.
Supported by National Nature Science Foundation of China, No. 30370436
Correspondence to: Xiao-Ming Zhang, MD, PhD, Professor, Head of Sichuan Key Laboratory of Medical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong 637000, Sichuan Province, China. cjr.zhxm@vip.163.com
Telephone: +86-817-2262218 Fax: +86-817-2222856
Received: July 30, 2011
Revised: November 17, 2011
Accepted: November 24, 2011
Published online: January 28, 2012
Abstract

Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are excellent modalities which have the ability to detect, depict and stage the nerve invasion associated with pancreatic carcinoma. The aim of this article is to review the CT and MR patterns of pancreatic carcinoma invading the extrapancreatic neural plexus and thus provide useful information which could help the choice of treatment methods. Pancreatic carcinoma is a common malignant neoplasm with a high mortality rate. There are many factors influencing the prognosis and treatment options for those patients suffering from pancreatic carcinoma, such as lymphatic metastasis, adjacent organs or tissue invasion, etc. Among these factors, extrapancreatic neural plexus invasion is recognized as an important factor when considering the management of the patients.

Keywords: Computed tomography; Magnetic resonance imaging; Pancreatic carcinoma; Extrapancreatic neural plexus