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Asymtomatic Mass In The Tail Of The Pancreas: Intrapancreatic Accessory Spleen (IPAS)
Fatma Yıldırım1, Fazli Erdogan2, Mehmet Kilic3
1Department of Pathology, Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey.
Archives of Iranian Medicine
|August 6, 2023
Summary
A pancreatic mass was initially suspected to be a neuroendocrine tumor but was diagnosed as an intrapancreatic accessory spleen (IPAS). This benign congenital anomaly can mimic pancreatic neoplasia, highlighting the importance of accurate diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Pathology
- Radiology
Background:
- Intrapancreatic accessory spleen (IPAS) is a rare congenital anomaly where splenic tissue is found within the pancreas.
- Accessory spleens are typically benign and asymptomatic, often discovered incidentally.
- Ectopic splenic tissue can present diagnostic challenges, particularly in the pancreas.
Observation:
- A 48-year-old male presented with a pancreatic tail mass detected via abdominal ultrasonography.
- The mass was initially suspected to be a well-differentiated pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor.
- Surgical resection (distal pancreatectomy) was performed due to suspicion of neoplasia.
Findings:
- Pathological examination confirmed the pancreatic mass to be an intrapancreatic accessory spleen (IPAS).
- IPAS is a benign entity and does not require specific treatment or follow-up.
- The key finding is the potential for IPAS to be misdiagnosed as a pancreatic neoplasm.
Implications:
- Accurate differentiation of IPAS from pancreatic tumors is crucial to avoid unnecessary surgical intervention.
- Radiologists and pathologists must consider IPAS in the differential diagnosis of pancreatic head masses.
- Awareness of IPAS can prevent misdiagnosis and guide appropriate patient management.
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