Solid pseudopapillary neoplasms (SPN), also known as Frantz tumors, are rare tumors of the pancreas. Due to overlapping features of SPN and pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (pNEN), distinguishing between them using imaging can prove challenging.
Researchers at the University Hospital Heidelberg conducted a study to differentiate SPN from pNEN using preoperative CT and MRI scans. They analyzed the imaging data of 39 SPN patients and 127 pNEN patients.
The study identified three key features that enable differentiation between SPN and pNEN: younger patient age, lack of contrast enhancement in the arterial phase, and the presence of a capsule. These features are easily applicable in routine diagnostics and could help prevent misdiagnoses.
