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Updated: Jul 15, 2026

Retroperitoneal Laparoscopic Debridement and Drainage for Pancreatic Abscess
Published on: March 15, 2024
A case of autoimmune pancreatitis associated with retroperitoneal fibrosis
Koushiro Ohtsubo1, Hiroyuki Watanabe, Tomoya Tsuchiyama
1Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan. ohtsubo@kenroku.kanazawa-u.ac.jp
Context:
Autoimmune pancreatitis is characterized by diffuse enlargement of the pancreas, diffuse irregular narrowing of the main pancreatic duct, severe lymphoplasmacytic infiltration and fibrosis of the pancreas. Retroperitoneal fibrosis may occasionally be associated with autoimmune pancreatitis.
Case Report:
We report a 77-year-old man with autoimmune pancreatitis associated with retroperitoneal fibrosis. Abdominal ultrasonography and computed tomography demonstrated diffuse enlargement of the pancreas and a capsule-like rim. Furthermore, a retroperitoneal mass was recognized anterior to the abdominal aorta. Antinuclear antibody, IgG and IgG4 values were elevated. Therefore, this patient was diagnosed as having autoimmune pancreatitis associated with retroperitoneal fibrosis. We performed steroid therapy using prednisolone. After 4 weeks, both IgG and IgG4 values decreased and both the swelling of the pancreas and also the retroperitoneal mass were obviously diminished.
Conclusion:
This is a rare case of autoimmune pancreatitis associated with retroperitoneal fibrosis.
Related Concept Videos
Chronic Pancreatitis I: Introduction
Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas, which occurs when the immune system becomes active and causes swelling, pain, and disruptions in organ function. Pancreatitis can manifest as either an acute or chronic condition.
Acute pancreatitis arises suddenly and lasts for a brief duration, while chronic pancreatitis is a long-term affliction...
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Acute Pancreatitis I: Introduction
Acute Pancreatitis I: Introduction
Acute pancreatitis is characterized by rapid inflammation of the pancreas, often caused by factors like gallstone blockage or excessive alcohol consumption. Chronic pancreatitis, on the other hand, is a slow, progressive inflammation that may result from long-term alcohol abuse, obstructions in the pancreatic duct, or genetic factors.
The causes of acute pancreatitis include:
