Primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET) is an exceedingly rare type of malignant tumor. The diagnosis of pancreatic PNET is usually challenging for radiologists and surgeons, especially when an accurate preoperative diagnosis is needed. Herein, we report a case of a 36-year-old patient with a mass diagnosed as PNET in the head of the pancreas and present a literature review. Compared to previous literature reports, there were some imaging features observed by computed tomography (CT) in our case that might be helpful for a relatively accurate preoperative diagnosis. PNET should be considered preoperatively for soft-tissue neoplasms of the pancreas when the diagnosis of more common pancreatic tumors is not favored by signs in CT, especially in pediatric and adolescent populations. This case is the 20th case of pancreatic PNET reported in literature.
Keywords: Computed tomography; pancreatic tumor; primitive neuroectodermal tumor.