88 Focal chronic pancreatitis can appear as a mass and is difficult to differentiate from pancreatic carcinoma (Table 88.1). Both focal chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic carcinoma enhance less than normal pancreatic tissue. The degree and time of enhancement does not distinguish between the two.1 Infiltration of the fat around the superior mesenteric artery is suspicious for pancreatic carcinoma, but this is not specific and can also be seen in chronic pancreatitis.2
Focal Chronic Pancreatitis versus Pancreatic Cancer
