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Pancreatic Fungal Ball Presenting as Pseudomass
Naomi Chou1, Rebecca Burbridge2, Sarah Karram3
1Duke University School of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC.
Abstract:
Fungal infections of the pancreas have been shown to occur most commonly in the setting of necrotizing pancreatitis, pancreatic cysts, or pancreatic abscesses. Pancreatic fungal infections are rare without these predisposing factors, and may present similarly to pancreatic neoplasm. We report the case of a 48-year-old man who presented with epigastric abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and weight loss, with a potential mass in the head of the pancreas. The mass was resected via the Whipple procedure and was found to be a fungal collection with inflammatory cells and no malignancy. The patient's clinical course improved after the resection.
Insights
Pancreatic fungal infections are rare but can mimic cancer. Surgical resection of a fungal mass in the pancreas led to improved patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Surgical Oncology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Pancreatic fungal infections typically occur with predisposing conditions like necrotizing pancreatitis, cysts, or abscesses.
- Fungal infections of the pancreas are uncommon in the absence of these factors.
- These infections can present symptomatically and radiographically similar to pancreatic neoplasms.
Observation:
- A 48-year-old male presented with epigastric pain, nausea, vomiting, and weight loss.
- Imaging revealed a potential mass in the pancreatic head.
- The patient underwent a Whipple procedure for suspected pancreatic malignancy.
Findings:
- Histopathological examination of the resected pancreatic mass revealed a fungal collection.
- Inflammatory cells were present, but no evidence of malignancy was found.
- The patient's symptoms resolved post-operatively.
Implications:
- This case highlights that pancreatic fungal infections can occur without typical predisposing factors.
- It underscores the importance of considering fungal infection in the differential diagnosis of pancreatic masses.
- Surgical management can be effective for treating pancreatic fungal collections.
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