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Purpose: The purpose of this study was to analyze the prevalence of and risk factors for incidental pancreatic cystic lesions (PCLs) in the Chinese general population. Furthermore, the association between baseline imaging findings and PCL progression was also investigated. Patients and Methods: A total of 9826 individuals who underwent computed tomography (CT) examinations for lung cancer screening between January 1, 2018 and January 1, 2019 were included in this study. The participants' CT imaging findings and biochemical biomarker levels were reviewed and analyzed. PCLs detected during the screening were followed up for 12 months. Associations between imaging findings and clinical factors with PCL progression were explored. Results: PCLs were observed in 172 of the 9826 participants. The crude prevalence of PCLs in total population was 1.75%. In subjects aged >60 years, the prevalence of PCLs was 3.2% (102/3151). The occurrence of PCLs was significantly increased with an increase of age in both men and women (p < 0.001). High-risk PCLsL commonly located in pancreatic head showed extrapancreatic growth, and had high urea levels (p = 0.005, p = 0.015, p = 0.002, respectively) compared with low-risk PCLs. Location in the pancreatic head (odds ratio (OR) = 6.286, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.842-21.452) and extrapancreatic growth (OR = 4.049, 95% CI: 1.235-13.333) were risk factors for PCL progression. Conclusion: PCLs are not uncommon in the Chinese general population. Location in the pancreatic head and extrapancreatic growth are the independent predictors of high-risk of PCLs and PCL progression.

Automated summary

The occurrence of PCLs is not uncommon in the Chinese general population, with location in the pancreatic head and extrapancreatic growth being independent predictors of high-risk PCLs and PCL progression.