Dilatation of the main pancreatic duct of unknown origin: causes and risk factors of pre-malignancy or malignancy.

A dilatation of the MPD without detectable mass or obstructive calcification on CT-scan was associated with a pre-malignant or malignant lesion in 41 patients. Symptoms before surgery, MPD dilatation without duct narrowing, and the presence of nodules on MRI/EUS were associated with the risk of  pre-malignancy or malignancy.