What is the most suitable contrast phase of imaging of neuroendocrine tumours of the pancreas, and why?
Neuroendocrine tumours of the pancreas show peak contrast enhancement in the early arterial phase (25-35 secs) rather than in late arterial phase (35-45 secs) which is normally used for pancreatic imaging. This is particularly important when considering that small lesions may be missed in late arterial phase when the tumour will appear isointense with enhancing pancreatic parenchyma.
A well-defined heterogeneous pancreatic body mass with intense peripheral enhancement and central degeneration with clear perilesional fat and no evident of mesenteric vessel encasement.
Mildly enlarged cirrhotic liver with multiple focal lesions seen scattered through the left and right lobes and showing ring enhancement.
Large volume ascites.