Large Dermoid Cyst Presenting as Recurrent Pancreatitis

Pancreatic dermoid cysts are rare and benign congenital abnormalities of germ cell origin. They occur equally in males and females without age predilection. Though radiographic imaging aids in the diagnosis, most times they are inconclusive and require fine-needle aspiration cytology for confirmation. We report the first case of a dermoid cyst presenting as recurrent pancreatitis in a 49-year-old male. Computed tomography scan, followed by magnetic resonance imaging, showed a complex cystic mass lesion adjacent to the pancreatic tail. Endoscopic ultrasound noted a large heterogeneous cystic lesion with hypoechoic wall layers in the tail of the pancreas without invading surrounding structures. Fine-needle aspiration cytology revealed numerous mature squamous cells consistent with a pancreatic dermoid cyst. We discuss the history, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of pancreatic dermoid cysts.