An evidence-based review for the management of cystic pancreatic lesions

The incidental finding of pancreatic cysts is becoming more common because of the increased use of cross-sectional imaging. As a result, the perspective from historical series of symptomatic patients is not always applicable to the current cohort of patients with cystic lesions in their pancreas. In this review, the characteristic radiological features that aid diagnosis are highlighted, and the complementary role of different imaging methods and the appropriate use of tissue sampling are identified. Based on the literature regarding the diagnostic role of imaging in characterizing cystic pancreatic lesions, it is possible to recommend a practical imaging algorithm for the diagnosis of cystic pancreatic lesions.