Angiographic differentiation between inflammatory disease and carcinoma of the pancreas

The difficulties in the differential diagnosis between pancreatitis and carcinoma of the pancreas were investigted in 19 patients in whom an incorrect diagnosis had been made. The diagnosis of carcinoma was particularly difficult in the presence of expansive lesions and calcifications; an incorrect positive diagnosis was often made when vascular changes were strictly localized. Repeat angiography at short intervals is recommended when there is doubt. Technical quality and experience in pancratic angiography are both extremely important.