Metformin and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors:A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Most patients with advanced pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors(pNETs)die due to tumor progression.Therefore,identifying new therapies with low toxicity and good tolerability to use concomitantly with the established pNET treatment is relevant.In this perspective,metformin is emerging as a molecule of interest.Retrospective studies have described metformin,a widely used agent for the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM),to be effective in modulating different tumor-related events,including cancer incidence,recurrence and survival by inhibiting mTOR phosphorylation.This systematic review evaluates the role of T2DM and metformin in the insurgence and post-treatment outcomes in patients with pNET.AIM To systematically analyze and summarize evidence related to the diagnostic and prognostic value of T2DM and metformin for predicting the insurgence and posttreatment outcomes of pNET.METHODS A systematic review of the published literature was undertaken,focusing on the role of T2DM and metformin in insurgence and prognosis of pNET,measured through outcomes of tumor-free survival(TFS),overall survival and progression free survival.RESULTS A total of 13 studies(5674 patients)were included in this review.Analysis of 809 pNET cases from five retrospective studies(low study heterogeneity with I^(2)=0%)confirms the correlation between T2DM and insurgence of pNET(OR=2.13,95%CI=1.56-4.55;P<0.001).The pooled data from 1174 pNET patients showed the correlation between T2DM and post-treatment TFS in pNET patients(hazard ratio=1.84,95%CI=0.78-2.90;P<0.001).The study heterogeneity was intermediate,with I^(2)=51%.A few studies limited the possibility of performing pooled analysis in the setting of metformin;therefore,results were heterogeneous,with no statistical relevance to the use of this drug in the diagnosis and prognosis of pNET.CONCLUSION T2DM represents a risk factor for the insurgence of pNET and is a significant predictor of poor post-treatment TFS of pNET patients.Unfortunately,a few studies with heterogeneous results limited the possibility of exploring the effect of metformin in the diagnosis and prognosis of pNET.

Acute pancreatitis as a complication of acute COVID-19 in kidney transplant recipients

BACKGROUND Acute pancreatitis is a rare extrapulmonary manifestation of coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)but its full correlation with COVID-19 infection remains unknown.AIM To identify acute pancreatitis’occurrence,clinical presentation and outcomes in a cohort of kidney transplant recipients with acute COVID-19.METHODS A retrospective observational single-centre cohort study from a transplant centre in Croatia for all adult renal transplant recipients with a functioning kidney allograft between March 2020 and August 2022 to record cases of acute pancreatitis during acute COVID-19.Data were obtained from hospital electronic medical records.Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)infection was proven by a positive SARS-CoV-2 real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction on the nasopharyngeal swab.RESULTS Four hundred and eight out of 1432(28.49%)patients who received a renal allograft developed COVID-19 disease.The analyzed cohort included 321 patients(57%males).One hundred and fifty patients(46.7%)received at least one dose of the anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccine before the infection.One hundred twenty-five(39.1%)patients required hospitalization,141(44.1%)developed pneumonia and four patients(1.3%)required mechanical ventilation.Treatment included immunosuppression modification in 233 patients(77.1%)and remdesivir in 53 patients(16.6%),besides the other supportive measures.In the study cohort,only one transplant recipient(0.3%)developed acute pancreatitis during acute COVID-19,presenting with abdominal pain and significantly elevated pancreatic enzymes.She survived without complications with a stable kidney allograft function.CONCLUSION Although rare,acute pancreatitis may complicate the course of acute COVID-19 in kidney transplant recipients.The mechanism of injury to the pancreas and its correlation with the severity of the COVID-19 infection in kidney transplant recipients warrants further research.

Are treatment options used for adult-onset type 2 diabetes mellitus(equally)available and effective for children and adolescents?

Youth-onset type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM),influenced by an increase in obesity,is a rising problem worldwide.Pathophysiological mechanisms of this early-onset T2DM include both peripheral and hepatic insulin resistance,along with increa-sed hepatic fasting glucose production accompanied by inadequate first and second-phase insulin secretion.Moreover,the incretin effect is reduced.The initial presentation of type 2 diabetes can be dramatic and symptoms may overlap with those of type 1 diabetes mellitus.Therefore,immediate therapy should address hyperglycemia and associated metabolic derangements irrespective of ultimate diabetes type,while further therapy adjustments are prone to patients’pheno-type.New agents with proven glycemic and beyond glycemia benefits,such as Glucagon-like polypeptide 1 receptor agonists and Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors,used in the adult population of T2DM patients,might become increasingly important in the treatment armamentarium.Moreover,metabolic surgery is an option for markedly obese(body mass index>35 kg/m^(2))children and adolescents suffering from T2DM who have uncontrolled glycemia and/or serious comorbidities when lifestyle and pharmacologic interventions fail.In this mini-review,we will discuss the potential of treatment options considering new data available from randomized control trials,including individuals with adult-onset type diabetes mellitus.

Immunology demystified: A guide for transplant hepatologists

Liver transplantation has become standard practice for treating end-stage liver disease.The success of the procedure relies on effective immunosuppressive medications to control the host's immune response.Despite the liver's inherent capacity to foster tolerance,the early post-transplant period is marked by significant immune reactivity.To ensure favorable outcomes,it is imperative to identify and manage various rejection types,encompassing T-cell-mediated,antibody-mediated,and chronic rejection.However,the approach to prescribing immunosuppressants relies heavily on clinical judgment rather than evidencebased criteria.Given that the majority of patients will require lifelong immunosuppression as the mechanisms underlying operational tolerance are still being investigated,healthcare providers must possess an understanding of immune responses,rejection mechanisms,and the pathways targeted by immunosuppressive drugs.This knowledge enables customization of treatments and improved patient care,even though a consensus on an optimal immunosuppressive regimen remains elusive.

Genitourinary tumors and liver transplantation: A comprehensive review

Liver transplantation is as a crucial therapeutic option for patients with end-stage liver disease,but the persistent organ shortage emphasizes a need to explore unconventional donor sources,including individuals with a history of malignan-cies.This review investigates the viability of liver donation from individuals with current or past genitourinary malignancies,focusing on renal,prostate and urinary bladder cancers.The rising incidence of urogenital malignancies among potential donors is thought to result from increasing donor age.Analysis of transmission risks reveals low rates of donor-derived cancer transmission,partic-ularly for early-stage renal and prostate cancers.Recipients with a history of genitourinary malignancy pose complex challenges regarding post-transplant immunosuppression and cancer recurrence.Nonetheless,the evidence suggests acceptable outcomes can be achieved with careful patient selection and tailored management strategies.Recommendations for pre-transplant evaluation and post-transplant surveillance are discussed,highlighting the need for individualized approaches in this patient population.Further prospective studies are warranted to refine guidelines and optimize outcomes in liver transplantation for patients with genitourinary malignancies.

Key challenges of post-liver transplant weight management

Liver transplantation serves as a life-saving intervention for patients with endstage liver disease,yet long-term survival remains a challenge.Post-liver transplant obesity seems to have a significant contribution to this challenge and it emerges as a significant risk factor for graft steatosis,metabolic syndrome and denovo malignancy development.This review synthesizes current literature on prevalence,risk factors and management strategies for post-liver transplant obesity,emphasizing its impact on graft and patient survival.Literature review consultation was conducted in Medline/PubMed,SciELO and EMBASE,with the combination of the following keywords:Weight management,liver transplantation,immunosuppressive therapy,lifestyle interventions,bariatric surgery.Immunosuppressive therapy has a significant influence on long-term survival of liver transplant patients,yet it seems to have lesser effect on post-transplant obesity development than previously thought.However,it significantly contributes to the development of other components of metabolic syndrome.Key predisposing factors for post-transplant obesity development encompass elevated recipient and donor body mass index,a history of alcoholic liver disease,hepatocellular carcinoma,male gender,the absence of cellular rejection and the marital status of the recipient.Tailored immunosuppressive regimens,pharmacotherapy,lifestyle interventions and bariatric surgery represent key components in mitigating post-transplant obesity and improving long-term survival and quality of life in this group of patients.Timely identification and intervention thus hold paramount importance.Further research is warranted to refine optimal management strategies and enhance outcomes in this patient population.

Diagnosis of West Nile virus infections:Evaluation of different laboratory methods

BACKGROUND The diagnosis of West Nile virus(WNV)is challenging due to short-term and low-level viremia,flavivirus cross-reactivity,and long immunoglobulin M(IgM)persistence.AIM To evaluate different methods for WNV detection[reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR),IgM/IgG antibodies,IgG avidity]in serum,cerebrospinal fluid(CSF),and urine samples of patients with confirmed WNV infection.METHODS The study included patients with confirmed WNV neuroinvasive infection(n=62),asymptomatic WNV seropositive individuals(n=22),and individuals with false-positive WNV IgM antibodies(n=30).WNV RNA was detected using RT-PCR.A commercial ELISA was used to detect WNV IgM/IgG antibodies with confirmation of cross-reactive samples using a virus neutralization test(VNT).IgG-positive samples were tested for IgG avidity.RESULTS The WNV-RNA detection rates were significantly higher in the urine(54.5%)/serum(46.4%)than in CSF(32.2%).According to the sampling time,the WNV-RNA detection rates in urine collected within 7 days/8-14/≥15 days were 29.4/66.6/62.5%(P=0.042).However,these differences were not observed in the CSF.The median RT-PCR cycle threshold values were significantly lower in urine(32.5,IQR=28-34)than in CSF(34.5,IQR=33-36).The frequency of positive WNV IgM and IgG significantly differed according to the sampling time in serum but not in CSF.Positive IgM/IgG antibodies were detected in 84.3/9.3%of serum samples collected within 7 days,100/71.1%of samples collected 8-14,and 100%samples collected after≥15 days.Recent WNV infection was confirmed by low/borderline avidity index(AI)in 13.6%of asymptomatic individuals.A correlation between ELISA and AI was strong negative for IgM and strong positive for IgG.No significant correlation between ELISA IgG and VNT was found.CONCLUSION The frequency of WNV RNA and antibody detection depends on the sampling time and type of clinical samples.IgG avidity could differentiate recent WNV infections from long-persisting IgM antibodies.

Prognostic role of metformin in diabetes mellitus type 2 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma:A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is among the commonest malignancies associated with significant cancer-related death.The identification of chemopreventive agents following HCC treatments with the potential to lower the risk of HCC adverse course is intriguing.Metformin,a first-line agent used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM),has been associated with inhibition of HCC growth.AIM To determine whether metformin can prevent adverse events(i.e.,death,tumor progression,and recurrence)after any HCC treatment in T2DM patients.METHODS A systematic review of the published literature was undertaken focused on the role of metformin on outcomes in patients with T2DM and HCC receiving any tumor therapy.A search of the PubMed and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials Databases was conducted.RESULTS A total of 13 studies(n=14886 patients)were included in this review.With regard to the risk of death,a decreased risk was reported in cases receiving metformin,although this decrease was not statistically significant[odds ratio(OR)=0.89,P=0.42].When only patients treated with curative strategies were considered,a more marked correlation between metformin and favorable cases was reported(OR=0.70,P=0.068).When analyzing palliative treatment,there was no statistical significance in terms of the correlation between metformin and favorable cases(OR=0.74,P=0.66).As for the risks of progressive disease and recurrence,no obvious correlation between metformin use and reduced risk was reported.When sub-analyses were performed for patients from different regions,the results for patients from Eastern countries showed a tendency for decreased risk of death in T2DM cases receiving metformin(OR=0.69,P=0.17),but the same was not seen in patients from Western countries(OR=1.19,P=0.31).CONCLUSION Metformin failed to show a marked impact in preventing adverse effects after HCC treatment.A trend was reported in T2DM cases receiving curative therapies in relation to the risk of death,especially in patients from Eastern regions.Great heterogeneity was reported among the different studies.Further large studies are required to definitively clarify the real impact of metformin as a chemopreventive agent for HCC.

Shifting perspectives in liver diseases after kidney transplantation

Liver diseases after kidney transplantation range from mild biochemical abnormalities to severe hepatitis or cirrhosis.The causes are diverse and mainly associated with hepatotropic viruses,drug toxicity and metabolic disorders.Over the past decade,the aetiology of liver disease in kidney recipients has changed significantly.These relates to the use of direct-acting antiviral agents against hepatitis C virus,the increasing availability of vaccination against hepatitis B and a better understanding of drug-induced hepatotoxicity.In addition,the emergence of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 pandemic has brought new challenges to kidney recipients.This review aims to provide healthcare professionals with a comprehensive understanding of recent advances in the management of liver complications in kidney recipients and to enable them to make informed decisions regarding the risks and impact of liver disease in this population.

Post-transplant diabetes mellitus and preexisting liver disease-a bidirectional relationship affecting treatment and management

Liver cirrhosis and diabetes mellitus(DM)are both common conditions with significant socioeconomic burden and impact on morbidity and mortality.A bidirectional relationship exists between DM and liver cirrhosis regarding both etiology and disease-related complications.Type 2 DM(T2DM)is a wellrecognized risk factor for chronic liver disease and vice-versa,DM may develop as a complication of cirrhosis,irrespective of its etiology.Liver transplantation(LT)represents an important treatment option for patients with end-stage liver disease due to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD),which represents a hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome and a common complication of T2DM.The metabolic risk factors including immunosuppressive drugs,can contribute to persistent or de novo development of DM and NAFLD after LT.T2DM,obesity,cardiovascular morbidities and renal impairment,frequently associated with metabolic syndrome and NAFLD,may have negative impact on short and long-term outcomes following LT.The treatment of DM in the context of chronic liver disease and post-transplant is challenging,but new emerging therapies such as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists(GLP-1RAs)and sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors(SGLT2i)targeting multiple mechanisms in the shared pathophysiology of disorders such as oxidative stress and chronic inflammation are a promising tool in future patient management.

Exploring new treatment options for polycystic ovary syndrome: Review of a novel antidiabetic agent SGLT2 inhibitor

Polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS)is the most common endocrinopathy in women of reproductive age associated with long-term metabolic and cardiovascular consequences.A plethora of symptoms and their severity differentiate on an individual level,giving the syndrome numerous phenotypes.Due to menstrual cycle abnormalities,women suffer from irregular menstrual bleeding,difficulty in conception,and infertility.Furthermore,the risk of pregnancy complications such as gestational diabetes mellitus,hypertensive disorders of pregnancy,and preterm birth are higher in women with PCOS than in the general population.Often,women with PCOS have comorbidities such as dyslipidemia,obesity,glucose intolerance or diabetes type 2,non-alcoholic fatty liver disease,and metabolic syndrome,which all influence the treatment plan.Historic insulinsensitizing agents,although good for some of the metabolic derangements,do not offer long-term cardiovascular benefits;therefore,new treatment options are of paramount importance.Sodium-glucose co-transporter-2(SGLT-2)inhibitors,a new class of antidiabetic agents with beneficial cardiovascular,bodyweight,and antihyperglycemic effects,although not approved for the treatment of PCOS,might be an attractive therapeutic addition in the PCOS armamentarium.Namely,recent studies with SGLT-2 inhibitors showed promising improvements in anthropometric parameters and body composition in patients with PCOS.It is important to further explore the SGLT-2 inhibitors potential as an early therapeutic option because of the PCOS-related risk of metabolic,reproductive,and psychological consequences.

Importance of genetic polymorphisms in liver transplantation outcomes

Although,liver transplantation serves as the only curative treatment for patients with end-stage liver diseases,it is burdened with complications,which affect survival rates.In addition to clinical risk factors,contribution of recipient and donor genetic prognostic markers has been extensively studied in order to reduce the burden and improve the outcomes.Determination of single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs)is one of the most important tools in development of personalized transplant approach.To provide a better insight in recent developments,we review the studies published in the last three years that investigated an association of recipient or donor SNPs with most common issues in liver transplantation:Acute cellular rejection,development of new-onset diabetes mellitus and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease,hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence,and tacrolimus concentration variability.Reviewed studies confirmed previously established SNP prognostic factors,such as PNPLA3 rs738409 for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease development,or the role of CYP3A5 rs776746 in tacrolimus concentration variability.They also identified several novel SNPs,with a reasonably strong association,which have the potential to become useful predictors of post-transplant complications.However,as the studies were typically conducted in one center on relatively low-to-moderate number of patients,verification of the results in other centers is warranted to resolve these limitations.Furthermore,of 29 reviewed studies,28 used gene candidate approach and only one implemented a genome wide association approach.Genome wide association multicentric studies are needed to facilitate the development of personalized transplant medicine.

Pre-and intraoperative predictors of acute kidney injury after liver transplantation

BACKGROUND Acute kidney injury(AKI)after liver transplantation(LT)is a frequent and multifactorial event related to increased morbidity and mortality.Risk factors for AKI after LT still need to be clarified.AIM To identify the predictors of acute kidney injury after liver transplantation.METHODS The frequency and pre-and intraoperative predictors of AKI within the first 7 d after LT were evaluated in adult liver transplant candidates in a single LT center in Croatia.AKI was defined according to the Kidney Disease:Improving Global Outcomes criteria.RESULTS Out of 205 patients(mean age 57±10 years;73.7%males,52.7%with alcoholrelated liver disease)93(45.36%)developed AKI,and the majority of them(58.06%)had stage 1.Only 5.38%of patients required renal replacement therapy after LT.The majority of patients(82.8%)developed AKI within the first two days after the procedure.Multivariate logistic regression identified pre-LT body mass index(OR=1.1,95%CI:1.05-1.24)and red blood cell transfusion(OR=1.66,95%CI:1.09-2.53)as independent predictors of early post-LT AKI occurrence.30-d survival after LT was significantly better for patients without AKI(P=0.01).CONCLUSION Early AKI after LT is a frequent event that negatively impacts short-term survival.The pathogenesis of AKI is multifactorial,but pre-LT BMI and intraoperative volume shifts are major contributors.

Epidemiology of hepatitis E in South-East Europe in the "One Health" concept

The significance of hepatitis E virus(HEV)as an important public health problem is rising.Until a decade ago,cases of HEV infection in Eur-ope were mainly confined to returning travelers,but nowadays,hepatitis E represents an emerging zoonotic infection in many European countries.The aim of this manuscript is to perform a systematic review of the published literature on hepatitis E distribution in humans,animals and environmental samples("One Health"concept)in the South-Eastern European countries.Comparison of the available data showed that the anti-HEV seroprevalence in the South-Eastern Europe varies greatly,depending on the population studied,geographical area and methods used.The IgG seroprevalence rates in different population groups were found to be 1.1%-24.5%in Croatia,up to 20.9%in Bulgaria,5.9-%17.1%in Romania,15%in Serbia,up to 9.7%in Greece and 2%-9.7%in Albania.Among possible risk factors,older age was the most significant predictor for HEV seropositivity in most studies.Higher seroprevalence rates were found in animals.HEV IgG antibodies in domestic pigs were detected in 20%-54.5%,29.2%-50%,38.94%-50%and 31.1%-91.7%in Serbia,Bulgaria,Romania and Croatia,respectively.In wild boars seroprevalence rates were up to 10.3%,30.3%and 31.1%in Romania,Slovenia and Croatia,respectively.A high HEV RNA prevalence in wild boars in some countries(Croatia and Romania)indicated that wild boars may have a key role in the HEV epidemiology.There are very few data on HEV prevalence in environmental samples.HEV RNA was detected in 3.3%and 16.7%surface waters in Slovenia and Serbia,respectively.There is no evidence of HEV RNA in sewage systems in this region.The available data on genetic characterization show that human,animal and environmental HEV strains mainly belong to the genotype 3.

How far along are we in revealing the connection between metformin and colorectal cancer?

Colorectal cancer(CRC)is among the most prevalent cancers worldwide,and its prevention and reduction of incidence is imperative.The presence of diabetes has been associated with a 30%increased risk of CRC,likely through the mechanism of hyperinsulinemia,which promotes tumorigenesis via the insulin receptor in the epithelium or by insulin-like growth factor pathways,inflammation,or adipokines,inducing cancer cell proliferation and cancer spread.Metformin,the first-line agent in treating type 2 diabetes,has a chemopreventive role in CRC development.Additionally,preclinical studies suggest synergistic effects of metformin with oxaliplatin in inhibiting in vitro models of colon cancer.Although preclinical studies on the post diagnostic use of metformin were promising and suggested its synergistic effects with chemotherapy,the data on the possible effects of metformin after surgery and other CRC treatment in the clinical setting are less conclusive,and randomized controlled trials are still lacking.

Liver transplantation and aging

An increase in the average life expectancy,paralleled by a demographic shift in the population with end-stage liver disease lies behind the rising demand for liver transplantation(LT)among the elderly.Some of the most common indications for LT including hepatocellular carcinoma,alcohol-related liver disease,chronic hepatitis C and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease tend to affect older patients.Transplant professionals are faced with an increasing demand for LT among elderly patients in an age of organ shortage and it is important that risk and benefits are carefully weighed in order to achieve the optimum use of precious liver grafts.

Liver transplantation for benign liver tumors

Benign liver tumors are common lesions that are usually asymptomatic and are often found incidentally due to recent advances in imaging techniques and their widespread use.Although most of these tumors can be managed conservatively or treated by surgical resection,liver transplantation(LT)is the only treatment option in selected patients.LT is usually indicated in patients that present with life-threatening complications,when the lesions are diffuse in the hepatic parenchyma or when malignant transformation cannot be ruled out.However,due to the significant postoperative morbidity of the procedure,scarcity of available donor liver grafts,and the benign course of the disease,the indications for LT are still not standardized.Hepatic adenoma and adenomatosis,hepatic hemangioma,and hepatic epithelioid hemangioendothelioma are among the most common benign liver tumors treated by LT.This article reviews the role of LT in patients with benign liver tumors.The indications for LT and long-term outcomes of LT are presented.

Shifting perspectives-interplay between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and insulin resistance in lean individuals

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)has become a significant public health burden affecting not only obese individuals but also people with normal weight.As opposed to previous beliefs,this particular subset of patients has an increased risk of all-cause mortality and worse outcomes than their obese counterparts.The development of NAFLD in lean subjects seems to be interconnected with metabolic phenotype,precisely visceral fat tissue,sarcopenia,and insulin resistance.Here,we summarize available data focusing on the co-dependent relationship between metabolic phenotype,insulin resistance,and development of NAFLD in lean individuals,suggesting more appropriate tools for measuring body fat distribution for the screening of patients at risk.

Emerging and neglected zoonoses in transplant population

Zoonoses represent a problem of rising importance in the transplant population.A close relationship and changes between human,animal and environmental health(“One Health”concept)significantly influence the transmission and distribution of zoonotic diseases.The aim of this manuscript is to perform a narrative review of the published literature on emerging and neglected zoonoses in the transplant population.Many reports on donor-derived or naturally acquired(re-)emerging arboviral infections such as dengue,chikungunya,West Nile,tick-borne encephalitis and Zika virus infection have demonstrated atypical or more complicated clinical course in immunocompromised hosts.Hepatitis E virus has emerged as a serious problem after solid organ transplantation(SOT),leading to diverse extrahepatic manifestations and chronic hepatitis with unfavorable outcomes.Some neglected pathogens such as lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus can cause severe infection with multi-organ failure and high mortality.In addition,ehrlichiosis may be more severe with higher casefatality rates in SOT recipients.Some unusual or severe presentations of borreliosis,anaplasmosis and rickettsioses were also reported among transplant patients.Moreover,toxoplasmosis as infectious complication is a well-recognized zoonosis in this population.Although rabies transmission through SOT transplantation has rarely been reported,it has become a notable problem in some countries.Since the spreading trends of zoonoses are likely to continue,the awareness,recognition and treatment of zoonotic infections among transplant professionals should be imperative.

Role of total pancreatectomy in the treatment of paraduodenal pancreatitis:A case report

BACKGROUND Paraduodenal pancreatitis(PP)is a rare form of chronic pancreatitis presenting with symptoms of duodenal obstruction.Conservative treatment is often unsuccessful and pancreaticoduodenectomy is the preferred surgical approach.A mini review of the outcomes of surgical therapy for PP shows that the results of pancreaticoduodenectomy are predominantly favorable.CASE SUMMARY In our case report of PP,we describe an unusual course first presenting with the symptoms of chronic pancreatitis and a pseudocyst of the pancreatic tail.A pseudocystojejunostomy was performed and the late postoperative course was complicated with the symptoms of duodenal obstruction.At laparotomy,PP was found and the patient was treated with a total pancreatectomy.The postoperative course was uneventful and good weight gain with resolution of pain was demonstrated at follow up visits.CONCLUSION Surgery is currently the optimal treatment option for PP.It is also the best diagnostic tool in distinguishing between pancreatitis and pancreatic adenocarcinoma.