Comparison Between Dual Energy/Subtraction CT With MRI for the Identification of Predictors of Malignancy in Cystic Pancreatic Lesions

With the rapid technological advancement, growth and widespread use of cross-sectional imaging, there has been increased detection of pancreatic cystic lesions (PCs). The reported incidence of pancreatic cysts varies widely, with some studies reporting incidental pancreatic cysts detected in 0.7-2.6 % of asymptomatic adults undergoing imaging. The incidence reportedly increases with age with a greater than 8% detection rate in those over age 80 years. The prevalence of a cystic pancreatic lesion in one autopsy series was as high as 24%. For MRI, the frequency of detection of a pancreatic cyst is significantly higher than that of CT, with a reported prevalence of 13-45 % for MRI. Consequently, there has been a significant increased number of MRs ordered for follow-up of these lesions. In our institution, more than 35 MR studies for assessment of PCs were performed each month in 2015. This represents greater than 5% of all abdominal/pelvic MR examinations, and this number appears to be growing. The impact on health care system - particularly on health care costs as well as MR waiting times for patients with other conditions - is significant. For instance, in our institution, the average waiting period in 2015 for an outpatient MR enterography for patients with Crohn's disease is over 6 months.

Recently, dual energy CT (DECT) has proven to be robust and clinically useful for many abdominal applications (including solid pancreatic masses). The investigators expect V2R kVmAS DECT and Subtraction imaging - two promising techniques which have scarcely been investigated in abdominal disease processes in the literature - to prove to be very useful for the characterization of pancreatic cysts and to demonstrate comparable diagnostic accuracy compared to MR

The aim of the study is to investigate whether optimized DECT and/or Subtraction imaging protocols allow for characterization of cystic pancreatic lesions (in particular, the presence of enhancing septa and mural nodules) with a diagnostic accuracy equivalent to or greater than MRI.

This is a prospective, single-institution study in patients who are being evaluated or followed for known pancreatic cystic lesions who are planned for a CT and MRI scan. All MRI scans performed during the study period will be monitored prospectively to identify consecutive patients undergoing MRI for assessment or follow-up of pancreatic cystic lesions and meeting the study inclusion/exclusion criteria.

Patients will be divided into two groups:

• Group 1 includes patients who will undergo surgery for their pancreatic cysts: For these patients, a pre-operative CT abdomen is routinely performed for surgical planning purposes. The treating surgeon will contact the study team to arrange for the CT scan - which will include a DECT scan - to be performed on the appropriate scanner.

• Group 2 includes patients who are undergoing surveillance. For these patients, the standard of care is typically to follow these patients annually with serial MRI scans.

In cases where findings on MRI are in doubt, a CT scan - which will include a DECT scan - will be requested as a problem solving tool and part of the standard of care.

For most patients, a CT scan is not required as part of the standard of care. In these cases, patients will be recruited and consented for an additional CT scan - which will include a DECT scan - to be performed within 6 months of their MRI. This CT scan is in addition to the standard of care. The patient will be recruited at the time of the first follow-up appointment with their treating surgeon after their MRI scan.

Inclusion criteria

• Patients of all ethnic groups older than 40 years old
• Cystic pancreatic lesions larger than 1 cm documented by MR
• Scheduled for surgery (Group 1) or undergoing surveillance (Group 2) for a pancreatic cyst by a hepatobiliary surgeon at UHN (University Health Network)

Exclusion criteria

• Patients with contraindication for contrast-enhanced CT or MRI
• Pregnancy
• Patients who do not consent to the study
• Patients younger than 40 years old or with pancreatic cysts less than 1 cm