THE ESSENTIAL ROLE OF COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY IN NEUROENDOCRINE TUMORS MANAGEMENT
Abstract
Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are a diverse group of neoplasms that arise from neuroendocrine cells throughout the body. Their diagnosis and characterization can be challenging due to their variability in pattern and location. This study aims to provide an analysis of NETs demographics, computed tomography (CT) pattern, and correlations among certain characteristics determined after CT examination. Materials and methods: Data were collected retrospectively from a cohort of 74 patients with abdominal neuroendocrine tumors and their metastases, diagnosed and followed up using abdominal and pelvic CT from January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2023. We studied variables like age, gender, tumor location, margins, enhancement pattern (appearance on noncontract enhanced, arterial, and portal venous phases), homogeneity, presence of calcifications, lymphadenopathy, and liver metastasis. Results: The patient cohort with mean age 65.78 years, contains predominantly females (n=42, 56.8%). The majority of primary tumors were located in the pancreas (n=38, 63,63%) (more specifically in the pancreatic head n=19, 34.54%), and small bowel (n = 10, 18.18%). Most tumors exhibited hypervascularization in the arterial phase (n=68, 91.89%) and only few lesions (7-9.45%) contained calcifications. Liver secondary lesions (31.08%, n=23), and lymphadenopathies (36.5%, n=27 cases) were frequent in the selected cases. Conclusions: The demographic data suggest a higher prevalence of NETs in older adults, with a slight female predominance. Males were more likely to have tumors located in the head of the pancreas, while females had a higher incidence of hepatic metastasis. Patients with NET have a high incidence of liver metastases, which requires careful abdominal CT follow-up to evaluate both local and distant extension. CT provides an accurate localization and characterization of NETs but also vital information for staging, prognosis, and correct treatment planning.
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