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Isolated pyogenic pancreatic abscess mimicking a neoplasm
1Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Medicine, Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha (RIPAS) Hospital, Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam. chongvuih@yahoo.co.uk
JOP : Journal of the Pancreas
|May 13, 2008
Summary
A rare case of pancreatic abscess caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae mimicked cancer. Prompt antibiotic treatment resolved the infection, avoiding unnecessary surgery for pancreatic malignancy.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Pancreatic abscesses are infrequent complications, typically associated with pancreatitis.
- Isolated pyogenic pancreatic abscesses without preceding events are exceptionally rare.
Observation:
- A 72-year-old male presented with symptoms mimicking pancreatic cancer.
- Computer tomography revealed a pancreatic head lesion suspicious for malignancy.
- Aspiration biopsy unexpectedly identified Klebsiella pneumoniae, with no evidence of malignancy.
Findings:
- The patient received a six-week course of antibiotics.
- Follow-up CT scans confirmed complete resolution of the pancreatic abscess.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering infectious etiologies in pancreatic lesions that mimic malignancy.
- Early identification and antibiotic therapy can prevent misdiagnosis and unnecessary surgical intervention for pancreatic cancer.
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