CT of Pancreas Transplantation

Abstract

Thirty-eight abdominal CT examinations obtained on 20 patients after pancreas transplantation were reviewed to determine the CT findings associated with pancreas transplantation and to assess the clinical utility of CT in this setting. Visualization of the transplanted pancreas was variable and was strongly influenced by adequacy of gastrointestinal opacification with contrast material. In four cases, linear high-density material was present within the graft, which, depending upon the surgical technique for handling exocrine secretions, represented either pancreaticojejunal stents or silicone within the pancreatic duct. Abdominal fluid collections were identified in 19 patients and were the most common complication identified by CT. Four of these collections were drained percutaneously. The major value of CT in pancreas transplantation is the identification and management of abdominal fluid collections in patients with abdominal pain and fever.