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Mass forming chronic pancreatitis mimicking pancreatic cystic neoplasm: A case report
1Department of Radiology, Dankook University Hospital, Chungcheongnam-do 330-715, South Korea. jkn1303@dkuh.co.kr.
Abstract:
Mass forming chronic pancreatitis is very rare. Diagnosis could be done by the pathologic findings of focal inflammatory fibrosis without evidence of tumor in pancreas. A 34-year-old man presented with right upper abdominal pain for a few weeks and slightly elevated bilirubin level on clinical findings. Radiological findings of multidetector-row computed tomography, magnetic resonance (MR) imaging with MR cholangiopancreatography and endoscopic ultrasonography revealed focal branch pancreatic duct dilatation with surrounding delayed enhancing solid component at uncinate process and head of pancreas, suggesting branch duct type intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm. Surgery was done and pathology revealed the focal chronic inflammation, fibrosis, and branch duct dilatation. Herein, I would like to report the first case report of mass forming chronic pancreatitis mimicking pancreatic cystic neoplasm.
Insights
Mass forming chronic pancreatitis, a rare condition, can mimic pancreatic cystic neoplasms. This case highlights the importance of pathological findings in distinguishing inflammation from tumors for accurate diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Pathology
- Radiology
Background:
- Mass forming chronic pancreatitis is an exceptionally rare condition.
- Accurate diagnosis is crucial to differentiate it from pancreatic neoplasms.
Observation:
- A 34-year-old male presented with abdominal pain and elevated bilirubin.
- Radiological imaging suggested a branch duct type intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm.
- Clinical presentation included right upper quadrant pain and mild jaundice.
Findings:
- Pathological examination revealed focal chronic inflammation and fibrosis, not a tumor.
- Surgical findings confirmed mass forming chronic pancreatitis.
- Imaging showed pancreatic duct dilatation with a solid component.
Implications:
- This case underscores the diagnostic challenge posed by mass forming chronic pancreatitis.
- Pathologic confirmation is essential for differentiating inflammatory conditions from neoplastic ones.
- Highlights the need for careful radiological and pathological evaluation in pancreatic head masses.
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