Inflammatory pseudotumour of the pancreas in a child

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Gastroenterology
• Surgical Pathology
• Oncology

Background:

• Inflammatory pseudotumors (IPT) are rare, benign neoplasms with a propensity to affect various organs, including the lungs and liver.
• While typically non-malignant, IPTs exhibit local aggressiveness and can mimic cancerous growths on imaging and laboratory tests.
• Diagnosis of IPT is often challenging and frequently established post-operatively due to non-specific clinical presentations.

Observation:

• This report details a unique case of a 4-year-old female diagnosed with an inflammatory pseudotumor of the pancreas.
• The patient's medical history revealed a preceding varicella-zoster infection, a potential trigger or associated factor.
• The pancreatic mass presented diagnostic challenges, necessitating surgical intervention for definitive characterization.

Findings:

• The study confirms the occurrence of inflammatory pseudotumor in an unusual pediatric location – the pancreas.
• The case highlights the association between viral infections, such as varicella-zoster, and the development of IPT.
• Histopathological examination confirmed the benign nature of the mass, despite its aggressive local behavior.

Implications:

• This case underscores the importance of considering inflammatory pseudotumor in the differential diagnosis of pancreatic masses in children, especially when presenting atypically.
• The findings suggest that viral infections might play a role in the pathogenesis of IPT, warranting further investigation.
• Early recognition and accurate diagnosis of pediatric pancreatic masses are crucial for appropriate management and improved patient outcomes.