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Retroperitoneal ectopic pancreas: imaging findings.
1Department of Radiology, Chang Gung University, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital-Kaohsiung Medical Center, Taiwan.
The British Journal of Radiology
|November 26, 2009
Summary
Retroperitoneal ectopic pancreas, a rare condition, can mimic adrenal tumors on imaging. This case highlights the importance of considering ectopic pancreas in differential diagnoses for retroperitoneal masses.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Radiology
- Pathology
Background:
- Ectopic pancreas is a rare congenital anomaly, typically found in the upper gastrointestinal tract.
- Retroperitoneal locations for ectopic pancreas have not been previously reported in medical literature.
Observation:
- A 48-year-old male presented with retroperitoneal masses initially suspected as bilateral adrenal tumors on ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
- Computed tomography (CT)-guided biopsies were performed for diagnostic confirmation.
Findings:
- Biopsies confirmed the presence of ectopic pancreatic tissue in the retroperitoneum.
- The retroperitoneal masses demonstrated stability over a 7-year follow-up period.
- Imaging characteristics, including signal intensity and enhancement patterns, retrospectively suggested pancreatic tissue.
Implications:
- This case expands the known anatomical locations for ectopic pancreas.
- Radiologists and clinicians should include ectopic pancreas in the differential diagnosis of retroperitoneal masses, especially when imaging findings resemble native pancreatic tissue.
- This finding may influence diagnostic strategies and patient management for similar rare presentations.
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