[Congenital cysts of the pancreas. A case report]

E Maiullari1, S Vinardi, P Magro

  • 1Divisione di Chirurgia Pediatrica B, Ospedale Infangile Regina Margherita, Azienda Ospedaliera OIRM-S. Anna, Torino.

Minerva Pediatrica
|July 6, 2000
PubMed

Insights

Congenital pancreatic cysts are rare in children, making preoperative diagnosis difficult. Surgical removal is key for diagnosis and complete resolution of this benign condition.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Gastroenterology
  • Medical Imaging

Background:

  • Congenital pancreatic cysts are exceptionally rare pediatric conditions.
  • Preoperative diagnosis poses significant challenges due to nonspecific symptoms and imaging findings.

Observation:

  • A 15-month-old female presented with a large abdominal mass but normal hematochemical markers.
  • Imaging studies suggested several possibilities, including mesenteric or ovarian cysts, intestinal duplication, or pancreatic cyst.

Findings:

  • Surgical exploration confirmed a congenital pancreatic cyst.
  • Analysis of cyst fluid revealed elevated amylase and lipase, confirming the diagnosis.
  • Complete surgical excision resulted in full recovery.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the diagnostic difficulties of congenital pancreatic cysts in infants.
  • Surgery serves a dual role in diagnosis and definitive treatment for these rare lesions.
  • Complete resection is the recommended therapeutic approach for benign pancreatic cysts.

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