Radiological Diagnosis of Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Neoplasms

Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) pose peculiar problems for imaging techniques in relation to their functional state. In functioning NETs – in which the diagnosis is mainly based on clinical and laboratory findings – the primary imaging “goal” is the localization of the hormonal hypersecretion source/sources; in nonfunctioning NETs – which appear as symptomatic masses or as incidental findings – the priority questions are represented both by the identification and correct histological typing. For all NETs – regardless of their functional state – an accurate staging is also required, as they are often malignant. The basic imaging modality is MDCT for both diagnosis and staging; although MRI is generally superior to CT for liver metastasis detection, the choice between the two methods depends on the local availability and expertise.