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Heterotopic pancreas. A difficult diagnosis
Digestive Diseases and Sciences
|June 1, 1996
Summary
Heterotopic pancreas, a rare condition, can present as a gastric wall tumor, challenging preoperative diagnosis. Surgical removal confirmed pancreatic tissue in the stomach, with the patient remaining symptom-free post-operation.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Heterotopic pancreas occurs in approximately 0.55-13% of autopsies.
- Preoperative diagnosis of heterotopic pancreas is challenging despite advanced imaging techniques.
Observation:
- A 51-year-old patient presented with a gastric wall tumor and a history of recurrent gastric ulcers.
- Endoscopic biopsy revealed normal gastric mucosa, and further imaging failed to specify the tumor's nature.
Findings:
- Histologic examination of the excised gastric tumor confirmed heterotopic pancreatic tissue in the submucosa.
- No signs of malignancy were detected in the resected pancreatic tissue.
Implications:
- This case highlights the diagnostic difficulties associated with gastric heterotopic pancreas.
- Surgical excision can be a successful treatment for symptomatic heterotopic pancreas, leading to long-term patient well-being.