Comparison between solid pseudopapillary neoplasms of the pancreas and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma with cystic changes using computed tomography

BACKGROUND Solid pseudopapillary neoplasms of the pancreas(SPN)share similar imaging findings with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma with cystic changes(PDAC with cystic changes),which may result in unnecessary surgery.AIM To investigate the value of computed tomography(CT)in differentiation of SPN from PDAC with cystic changes.METHODS This study retrospectively analyzed the clinical and imaging findings of 32 patients diagnosed with SPN and 14 patients diagnosed with PDAC exhibiting cystic changes,confirmed through pathological diagnosis.Quantitative and qualitative analysis was performed,including assessment of age,sex,tumor size,shape,margin,density,enhancement pattern,CT values of tumors,CT contrast enhancement ratios,“floating cloud sign,”calcification,main pancreatic duct dilatation,pancreatic atrophy,and peripancreatic invasion or distal metastasis.Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify relevant features to differentiate between SPN and PDAC with cystic changes,and receiver operating characteristic curves were obtained to evaluate the diagnostic performance of each variable and their combination.RESULTS When compared to PDAC with cystic changes,SPN had a lower age(32 years vs 64 years,P<0.05)and a slightly larger size(5.41 cm vs 3.90 cm,P<0.05).SPN had a higher frequency of“floating cloud sign”and peripancreatic invasion or distal metastasis than PDAC with cystic changes(both P<0.05).No significant difference was found with respect to sex,tumor location,shape,margin,density,main pancreatic duct dilatation,calcification,pancreatic atrophy,enhancement pattern,CT values of tumors,or CT contrast enhancement ratios between the two groups(all P>0.05).The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the combination was 0.833(95%confidence interval:0.708-0.957)with 78.6%sensitivity,81.3%specificity,and 80.4%accuracy in differentiation of SPN from PDAC with cystic changes.CONCLUSION A larger tumor size,“floating cloud sign,”and peripancreatic invasion or distal metastasis are useful CT imaging features that are more common in SPN and may help discriminate SPN from PDAC with cystic changes.

Expression of the tumor suppressor gene maspin and its significance in intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms of the pancreas

BACKGROUND: Maspin is a member of the serpin family of protease inhibitors and is thought to inhibit carcinoma invasion, metastasis, and angiogenesis and induce apoptosis. We examined maspin expression immunohistochemically and assessed its significance in intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) of the pancreas. METHODS: We examined 39 surgically resected specimens of IPMN that included 17 adenomas (IPMAs), 5 borderline tumors (IPMBs), 4 non-invasive carcinomas (non-invasive IPMCs), and 13 invasive carcinomas (invasive IPMCs). Immunostaining was performed according to the EnVision ChemMate method. The degree of maspin expression was scored and assessed according to the percentage and staining intensity of positive cells. RESULTS: Maspin expression was minimal in normal pancreatic duct epithelium, whereas in IPMNs, maspin was expressed in neoplasms of all stages. Maspin expression increased with increasing grade from IPMAs, IPMBs, to non-invasive IPMCs but decreased significantly in invasive IPMCs. No specific association between maspin expression and mucin type was found. Analysis of maspin expression with respect to clinicopathologic factors in cases of invasive IPMC revealed a greater extent of invasion in cases of low maspin expression and significantly fewer apoptotic cells in the tumor.CONCLUSIONS: Maspin was expressed at high levels in IPMNs at various stages from adenoma to invasive carcinoma, and our results suggest that maspin may be involved in the occurrence and progression of IPMN. In addition, our data suggest that the apoptosis-inducing action of maspin suppresses invasion and progression of IPMN.

Less common neoplasms of the pancreas

Recently, there has been an increased recognition of neoplasms of the pancreas other than ductal adenocarcinorna. Although not as well studied or characterized as pancreatic adenocarcinorna there are many distinct lesions which exhibit diverse biological behaviors and varying degrees of malignancy. These lesions include： endocrine neoplasms, cystic tumors, solid pseudopapillary tumors, acinar cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, primary lymphoma of the pancreas, and metastatic lesions to the pancreas. These less common neoplasms are being diagnosed more frequently as the number and sensitivity of diagnostic imaging studies increase. This review article discusses the clinical course, diagnosis, and treatment of these less common, but quite relevant, neoplasms of the pancreas.

molecular pathology of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms of the pancreas

Since the first description of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms(IPMNs)of the pancreas in the eighties,their identification has dramatically increased in the last decades,hand to hand with the improvements in diagnostic imaging and sampling techniques for the study of pancreatic diseases.However,the heterogeneity of IPMNs and their malignant potential make difficult the management of these lesions.The objective of this review is to identify the molecular characteristics of IPMNs in order to recognize potential markers for the discrimination of more aggressive IPMNs requiring surgical resection from benign IPMNs that could be observed.We briefly summarize recent research findings on the genetics and epigenetics of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms,identifying some genes,molecular mechanisms and cellular signaling pathways correlated to the pathogenesis of IPMNs and their progression to malignancy.The knowledge of molecular biology of IPMNs has impressively developed over the last few years.A great amount of genes functioning as oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes have been identified,in pancreatic juice or in blood or in the samples from the pancreatic resections,but further researches are required to use these informations for clinical intent,in order to better define the natural history of these diseases and to improve their management.

Duodenum and ventral pancreas preserving subtotal pancreatectomy for low-grade malignant neoplasms of the pancreas: An alternative procedure to total pancreatectomy for low-grade pancreatic neoplasms

AIM To describe the indications, technique and outcomes of the novel surgical procedure of duodenum and ventral pancreas preserving subtotal pancreatectomy(DVPPSP).METHODS Data collected retrospectively from 43 patients who underwent DVPPSP and TP between 2009 and 2015 in our single centre were analysed. For enrolment, only patients with low-grade pancreatic neoplasms, such as pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms(IPMNs), and solid pseudopapillary tumors, were included. Ten DVPPSP(group 1) and 13 TP(group 2) patients were selected in this study.RESULTS There were no significant differences in age, gender, comorbidities, preoperative symptoms, American Society of Anesthesiologists score or indications for surgery between the two groups. The most common indication was IPMN for DVPPSP and TP(60% vs 85%, P = 0.411). Compared with the TP group, the DVPPSP group had comparable postoperative morbidities(P = 0.405) and mortalities(both nil), but significantly shorter operative time(232 ± 19.6 min vs 335 ± 32.3 min, P < 0.001). DVPPSP preserved better long-term pancreatic function with less supplementary therapy(P < 0.001) and better quality of life(Qo L) after surgery, including better scores in social(P = 0.042) and global health(P = 0.047) on functional scales and less appetite loss(P = 0.049) on the symptom scale. CONCLUSION DVPPSP is a feasible and safe procedure that could be an alternative to TP for low-grade neoplasms arising from the body and tail region but across the neck region of the pancreas; DVPPSP had better metabolic function and Qo L after surgery.

Nomograms predicting long-term survival in patients with invasive intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms of the pancreas: A population-based study

BACKGROUND There are few effective tools to predict survival in patients with invasive intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms of the pancreas.AIM To develop comprehensive nomograms to individually estimate the survival outcome of patients with invasive intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms of the pancreas.METHODS Data of 1219 patients with invasive intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms after resection were extracted from the Surveillance,Epidemiology,and End Results database,and randomly divided into the training(n=853)and the validation(n=366)cohorts.Based on the Cox regression model,nomograms were constructed to predict overall survival and cancer-specific survival for an individual patient.The performance of the nomograms was measured according to discrimination,calibration,and clinical utility.Moreover,we compared the predictive accuracy of the nomograms with that of the traditional staging system.RESULTS In the training cohort,age,marital status,histological type,T stage,N stage,M stage,and chemotherapy were selected to construct nomograms.Compared with the American Joint Committee on Cancer 7th staging system,the nomograms were generally more discriminative.The nomograms passed the calibration steps by showing high consistency between actual probability and nomogram prediction.Categorial net classification improvements and integrated discrimination improvements suggested that the predictive accuracy of the nomograms exceeded that of the American Joint Committee on Cancer staging system.With respect to decision curve analyses,the nomograms exhibited more preferable net benefit gains than the staging system across a wide range of threshold probabilities.CONCLUSION The nomograms show improved predictive accuracy,discrimination capability,and clinical utility,which can be used as reliable tools for risk classification and treatment recommendations.

Cystic neoplasms of the pancreas: A diagnostic challenge

Cystic neoplasms of the pancreas are increasingly recognized due to the expanding use and improved sensitivity of cross-sectional abdominal imaging. Major advances in the last decade have led to an improved understanding of the various types of cystic lesions and their biologic behavior. Despite signifi cant improvements in imaging technology and the advent of endoscopic-ultrasound (EUS)-guided fineneedle aspiration, the diagnosis and management of pancreatic cystic lesions remains a significant clinical challenge. The fi rst diagnostic step is to differentiate between pancreatic pseudocyst and cystic neoplasm. If a pseudocyst has been effectively excluded, the cornerstone issue is then to determine the malignant potential of the pancreatic cystic neoplasm. In the majority of cases, the correct diagnosis and successful management is based not on a single test but on incorporating data from various sources including patient history, radiologic studies, endoscopic evaluation, and cyst fluid analysis. This review will focus on describing the various types of cystic neoplasms of the pancreas, their malignant potential, and will provide the clinician with a comprehensive diagnostic approach.

Favorable response after radiation therapy for intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms manifesting as acute recurrent pancreatitis:A case report

BACKGROUND There has been an increasing number of elderly patients with intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm(IPMN),who are surgically intolerant and require less invasive treatment options,which are limited.In the present study,we report a case of IPMN presenting with acute recurrent pancreatitis(ARP),in which radiation therapy effectively prevented further attacks of ARP and reduced tumor volume.CASE SUMMARY An 83-year-old man was referred to our hospital with an asymptomatic incidental pancreatic cyst.Endoscopic ultrasound imaging and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography revealed a multiloculated tumor in the head of the pancreas,with dilated pancreatic ducts and mural nodules.The patient was diagnosed with mixed-type IPMN,and five years later,he developed ARP.Several endoscopic pancreatic ductal balloon dilatations failed to prevent further ARP attacks.Surgery was considered clinically inappropriate because of his old age and comorbidities.He was referred to our department for radiation therapy targeted at those lesions causing intraductal hypertension and radiation was administered at a dose of 50 Gy.An magnetic resonance imaging scan taken ten weeks after treatment revealed a decrease in tumor size and improvement of pancreatic duct dilatation.Fourteen months later,he remains symptom-free from ARP.CONCLUSION This case highlights the important role of radiation therapy in mitigating the signs and symptoms of ARP in patients with inoperable IPMN.

Evolution of incidental branch-duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms of the pancreas: A study with magnetic resonance imaging cholangiopancreatography

AIM To investigate the type and timing of evolution of incidentally found branch-duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms(bd-IPMN) of the pancreas addressed to magnetic resonance imaging cholangiopancreatography(MRCP) follow-up.METHODS We retrospectively evaluated 72 patients who underwent, over the period 2006-2016, a total of 318 MRCPs(mean 4.4) to follow-up incidental, presumed bdIPMN without signs of malignancy, found or confirmedat a baseline MRCP examination. Median follow-up time was 48.5 mo(range 13-95 mo). MRCPs were acquired on 1.5T and/or 3.0T systems using 2D and/or 3D technique. Image analysis assessed the rates of occurrence over the follow-up of the following outcomes:(1) imaging evolution, defined as any change in cysts number and/or size and/or appearance; and(2) alert findings, defined as worrisome features and/or high risk stigmata(e.g., thick septa, parietal thickening, mural nodules and involvement of the main pancreatic duct). Time to outcomes was described with the Kaplan-Meir approach. Cox regression model was used to investigate clinical or initial MRCP findings predicting cysts changes.RESULTS We found a total of 343 cysts(per-patient mean 5.1) with average size of 8.5 mm(range 5-25 mm). Imaging evolution was observed in 32/72 patients(44.4%; 95%CI: 32-9-56.6), involving 47/343 cysts(13.7%). There was a main trend towards small(< 10 mm) increase and/or decrease of cysts size at a median time of 22.5 mo. Alert findings developed in 6/72 patients(8.3%; 95%CI: 3.4-17.9) over a wide interval of time(13-63 mo). No malignancy was found on endoscopic ultrasound with fine-needle aspiration(5/6 cases) or surgery(1/6 cases). No clinical or initial MRCP features were significantly associated with changes in bd-IPMN appearance(P > 0.01).CONCLUSION Changes in MRCP appearance of incidental bd-IPNM were frequent over the follow-up(44.4%), with relatively rare(8.3%) occurrence of non-malignant alert findings that prompted further diagnostic steps. Changes occurred at a wide interval of time and were unpredictable, suggesting that imaging followup should be not discontinued, though MRCPs might be considerably delayed without a significant risk of missing malignancy.

Imaging, pathology, and diagnosis of solitary fibrous tumor of the pancreas: A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND A solitary fibrous tumor(SFT)is often located in the pleura,while SFT of the pancreas is extremely rare.Here,we report a case of SFT of the pancreas and discuss imaging,histopathology,and immunohistochemistry for accurate diagnosis and treatment.CASE SUMMARY A 54-year-old man presented to our hospital with pancreatic occupancy for over a month.There were no previous complaints of discomfort.His blood pressure was normal.Blood glucose,tumor markers,and enhanced computed tomography(CT)suggested a malignant tumor.Because the CT appearance of pancreatic cancer varies,we could not confirm the diagnosis;therefore,we performed endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle biopsy(EUS-FNB).Pathology and immunohistochemistry were consistent with SFT of the pancreas.The posto-perative pathology and immunohistochemistry were consistent with the puncture results.The patient presented for a follow-up examination one month after discharge with no adverse effects.CONCLUSION Other diseases must be excluded in patients with a pancreatic mass that cannot be diagnosed.CT and pathological histology have diagnostic value for pancreatic tumors.Endoscopic puncture biopsy under ultrasound can help diagnose pancreatic masses that cannot be diagnosed preoperatively.Surgery is an effective treatment for SFT of the pancreas;however,long-term follow-up is strongly recommended because of the possibility of malignant transformation of the tumor.

Endoscopic ultrasound guided radiofrequency ablation,for pancreatic cystic neoplasms and neuroendocrine tumors

AIM: To outline the feasibility, safety, adverse events and early results of endoscopic ultrasound(EUS)-radiofrequency ablation(RFA) in pancreatic neoplasms using a novel probe. METHODS: This is a multi-center, pilot safety feasibility study. The intervention described was radiofrequency ablation(RF) which was applied with an innovative monopolar RF probe(1.2 mm Habib EUS-RFA catheter) placed through a 19 or 22 gauge fine needle aspiration(FNA) needle once FNA was performed in patients with a tumor in the head of the pancreas. The HabibTM EUSRFA is a 1 Fr wire(0.33 mm, 0.013") with a working length of 190 cm, which can be inserted through the biopsy channel of an echoendoscope. RF power is applied to the electrode at the end of the wire to coagulate tissue in the liver and pancreas.RESULTS: Eight patients [median age of 65(range 27-82) years; 7 female and 1 male] were recruited in a prospective multicenter trial. Six had a pancreatic cysticneoplasm(four a mucinous cyst, one had intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm and one a microcystic adenoma) and two had a neuroendocrine tumors(NET) in the head of pancreas. The mean size of the cystic neoplasm and NET were 36.5 mm(SD ± 17.9 mm) and 27.5 mm(SD ± 17.7 mm) respectively. The EUSRFA was successfully completed in all cases. Among the 6 patients with a cystic neoplasm, post procedure imaging in 3-6 mo showed complete resolution of the cysts in 2 cases, whilst in three more there was a 48.4% reduction [mean pre RF 38.8 mm(SD ± 21.7 mm) vs mean post RF 20 mm(SD ± 17.1 mm)] in size. In regards to the NET patients, there was a change in vascularity and central necrosis after EUS-RFA. No major complications were observed within 48 h of the procedure. Two patients had mild abdominal pain that resolved within 3 d. CONCLUSION: EUS-RFA of pancreatic neoplasms with a novel monopolar RF probe was well tolerated in all cases. Our preliminary data suggest that the procedure is straightforward and safe. The response ranged from complete resolution to a 50% reduction in size.

Recent developments in palliative chemotherapy for locally advanced and metastatic pancreas cancer

In spite of advances made in the management of the other more common cancers of the gastrointestinal tract,significant progress in the treatment of pancreatic cancer remains elusive.Nearly as many deaths occur from pancreatic cancer as are diagnosed each year reflecting the poor prognosis typically associated with this disease.Until recently,the only treatment with an impact on survival was surgery.In the palliative setting,gemcitabine(Gem) has been a standard treatment for advanced pancreatic cancer since it was shown a decade ago to result in a superior clinical benefit response and survival compared with bolus 5-fluorouracil.Since then,clinical trials have explored the pharmacokinetic modulation of Gem by fixed dose administration and the combination of Gem with other cytotoxic or the biologically"targeted"agents.However,promising trial results in small phaseⅡtrials have not translated into survival improvements in larger phaseⅢrandomized trials in the advanced disease setting.Two trials have recently reported modest survival improvements with the use of combination treatment with Gem and capecitabine(United Kingdom National Cancer Research GEMCAP trial) or erlotinib(National Cancer Institute of CanadaClinical Trials Group PA.3 trial) .This review will focus on the use of systemic therapy for advanced and metastatic pancreatic cancer,summarizing the results of several recent clinical trials and discuss their implications for clinical practice.We will also discuss briefly the second-line chemotherapy options for advanced pancreatic cancer.

Solid pseudopapillary neoplasm of the pancreas

Solid pseudopapillary neoplasms are rare.This article reviews the clinical and pathologic features of solid pseudopapillary neoplasm of the pancreas,including the epidemiology,cytology,molecular pathology,differential diagnosis,treatment,and prognosis.Solid pseudopapillary neoplasms are low-grade malignant tumours of the pancreas characterized by poorly cohesive epithelial cells with solid and pseudopapillary patterns.Solid pseudopapillary neoplasms occur predominantly in young women.Although solid pseudopapillary neoplasms can occur throughout the pancreas,they arise slightly more frequently in the tail of the pancreas.The aetiology is unknown.Extremely rare cases have been reported in the setting of familial adenomatous polyposis.There are no symptoms unique to solid pseudopapillary neoplasms,however,the most common symptom is abdominal pain or discomfort.The features of solid pseudopapillary neoplasms on computed tomography imaging are indicative of the pathologic changes within the tumour.Typically,well-demarcated masses with variably solid and cystic appearances.Microscopically,these tumours are composed of epithelial cells forming solid and pseudopapillary structures,frequently undergoing haemorrhagic cystic degeneration.Typically,these tumours express nuclear and/or cytoplasmicβ-catenin.Almost all solid pseudopapillary neoplasms harbour mutations in exon 3 of CTNNB1,the gene encodingβ-catenin.The overall prognosis is excellent,and most patients are cured by complete surgical resection.

Multiphase computed tomography radiomics of pancreatic intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms to predict malignancy

BACKGROUND Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms(IPMNs)are non-invasive pancreatic precursor lesions that can potentially develop into invasive pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.Currently,the International Consensus Guidelines(ICG)for IPMNs provides the basis for evaluating suspected IPMNs on computed tomography(CT)imaging.Despite using the ICG,it remains challenging to accurately predict whether IPMNs harbor high grade or invasive disease which would warrant surgical resection.A supplementary quantitative radiological tool,radiomics,may improve diagnostic accuracy of radiological evaluation of IPMNs.We hypothesized that using CT whole lesion radiomics features in conjunction with the ICG could improve the diagnostic accuracy of predicting IPMN histology.AIM To evaluate whole lesion CT radiomic analysis of IPMNs for predicting malignant histology compared to International Consensus Guidelines.METHODS Fifty-one subjects who had pancreatic surgical resection at our institution with histology demonstrating IPMN and available preoperative CT imaging were included in this retrospective cohort.Whole lesion semi-automated segmentation was performed on each preoperative CT using Healthmyne software(Healthmyne,Madison,WI).Thirty-nine relevant radiomic features were extracted from each lesion on each available contrast phase.Univariate analysis of the 39 radiomics features was performed for each contrast phase and values were compared between malignant and benign IPMN groups using logistic regression.Conventional quantitative and qualitative CT measurements were also compared between groups,viaχ2(categorical)and Mann Whitney U(continuous)variables.RESULTS Twenty-nine subjects(15 males,age 71±9 years)with high grade or invasive tumor histology comprised the"malignant"cohort,while 22 subjects(11 males,age 70±7 years)with low grade tumor histology were included in the"benign"cohort.Radiomic analysis showed 18/39 precontrast,19/39 arterial phase,and 21/39 venous phase features differentiated malignant from benign IPMNs(P<0.05).Multivariate analysis including only ICG criteria yielded two significant variables:thickened and enhancing cyst wall and enhancing mural nodule<5 mm with an AUC(95%CI)of 0.817(0.709-0.926).Multivariable post contrast radiomics achieved an AUC(95%CI)of 0.87(0.767-0.974)for a model including arterial phase radiomics features and 0.834(0.716-0.953)for a model including venous phase radiomics features.Combined multivariable model including conventional variables and arterial phase radiomics features achieved an AUC(95%CI)of 0.93(0.85-1.0)with a 5-fold cross validation AUC of 0.90.CONCLUSION Multi-phase CT radiomics evaluation could play a role in improving predictive capability in diagnosing malignancy in IPMNs.Future larger studies may help determine the clinical significance of our findings.

Differentiating intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms from other pancreatic cystic lesions

Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms(IPMN) can be difficult to distinguish from other cystic lesions of the pancreas.To understand better and discuss the current knowledge on this topic,the literature and the institutional experience at a large pancreatic disease center have been reviewed.A combination of preoperative demographic,historical,radiographic,laboratory data,as well as postoperative pathologic analyses can often distinguish IPMN from other lesions in the differential diagnosis.

Malignancies associated with intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm of the pancreas

AIM： As intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm （IPMN） has a favorable prognosis, associated malignancies have potential significance in these patients. We examined the incidence and characteristics of pre-existing, coexisting and subsequent malignancies in patients with IPMN. METHODS： Seventy-nine cases of IPMN were diagnosed by detection of mucous in the pancreatic duct during endoscopic retrograde pancreatography. Histological diagnosis was confirmed in 30 cases （adenoma （n = 19） and adenocarcinoma （n = 11）. Other primary malignancies associated with IPMN, occurring in the prediagnostic or postdiagnostic period, were investigated. Postdiagnostic follow-up period was 3.3±0.5 years （range, 0.2-20 years）. RESULTS： Other 40 malignancies occurred in 28 patients （35%）. They were found before （n = 15）, at （n = 19） and after （n = 6） the diagnosis of IPMT. Major associated malignancies were gastric cancer （n = 12）, colonic cancer （n = 7）, esophageal cancer （n = 4）, pulmonary cancer （n = 4）, and independent pancreatic cancer （n = 3）. Pancreatic cancer was synchronous with IPMN in two patients and metachronous in one （3 years after diagnosis of IPMN）. Thirty-one lesions were treated surgically or endoscopically. Fourteen patients died of associated cancers. Development of other malignancies was related to age （71.9±8.2 v566.8±9.3, P〈0.05）, but not to gender or site of the tumor. CONCLUSION： IPMN is associated with a high incidence of other malignancies, particularly gastric and colonic cancers. Common genetic mechanisms between IPMN and other associated malignancies might be present. Clinicians should pay attention to the possibility of associated malignancies in preoperative screening and follow-up of patients with IPMN. 2005 The WJG Press and Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved

Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms and other pancreatic cystic lesions

Pancreatic cystic neoplasms are being increasingly recognized, even in the absence of symptoms, in large part, due to markedly improved imaging modalities such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)/magnetic resonance cholangio pancreatography (MRCP) and computer tomography (CT) scanning. During the past 2 decades, better imaging of these cystic lesions has resulted in definition of different types, including pancreatic intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMN). While IPMN represent only a distinct minority of all pancreatic cancers, they appear to be a relatively frequent neoplastic form of pancreatic cystic neoplasm. Moreover, IPMN have a much better outcome and prognosis compared to pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas. Therefore, recognition of this entity is exceedingly important for the clinician involved in diagnosis and further evaluation of a potentially curable form of pancreatic cancer.

Pancreatic endometrial cyst mimics mucinous cystic neoplasm of the pancreas

Pancreatic cysts include a variety of benign, premalignant, and malignant lesions. Endometrial cysts in the pancreas are exceedingly rare lesions that are difficult to diagnose pre-operatively. This report describes the findings in a 43-year-old patient with a recent episode of acute pancreatitis who presented with a large cyst in the tail of the pancreas. Imaging demonstrated a loculated pancreatic cyst, and cyst fluid aspiration revealed an elevated amylase and carcinoembryonic antigen. The patient experienced an interval worsening of abdominal pain, fatigue, diarrhea, and a 15-pound weight loss 3 mo after the initial episode of pancreatitis. With concern for a possible pre-malignant lesion, the patient underwent a laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy, which revealed a 16cm×12cm×4cm lesion. Final histopathology was consistent with an intra-pancreatic endometrial cyst. Here we discuss the overlapping imaging and laboratory features of pancreatic endometrial cysts and mucinous cystic neoplasms of the pancreas.

Multifocal intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm of the pancreas-A case report

Cystic neoplasms of the pancreas are relatively rare, comprising 10 percent of pancreatic cysts and only 1 percent of pancreatic cancers. Cystic neoplasms include mucinous cystic neoplasms, serous cystadenomas, papillary cystic tumors, cystic islet cell tumors and intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms of the pancreas (IPMNs). IPMN was first described in 1982. It has been most commonly described in 60 to 70 years old males, and represents a relatively ''new'' but increasingly recognized disease. The improvement and widespread use of modern imaging equipments and heightened awareness of physicians contribute to the increasing incidence of IPMN. The majority of IPMNs are located in the pancreatic head (75%) while the rest involves the body/tail regions. Multifocal IPMNs have been hypothesized, but the true presence of multifocality is unknown. Here we present a 72-yearold male diagnosed with IPMN (carcinoma in situ ) in the pancreatic head and a branch duct type IPMN (duct atypia) in the pancreatic body and tail. The patient underwent a Whipple intervention and a distal pancreatectomy. A three-year disease-free survival has been observed so far.

Solid pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas:A systematic review of clinical,surgical and oncological characteristics of 1384 patients underwent pancreatic surgery

Background:Pancreatic solid pseudopapillary tumors(SPTs)are rare clinical entity,with low malignancy and still unclear pathogenesis.They account for less than 2%of exocrine pancreatic neoplasms.This study aimed to perform a systematic review of the main clinical,surgical and oncological characteristics of pancreatic SPTs.Data sources:MEDLINE/PubMed,Web of Science and Scopus databases were systematically searched for the main clinical,surgical and oncological characteristics of pancreatic SPTs up to April 2021,in accordance with the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses(PRISMA)standards.Primary endpoints were to analyze treatments and oncological outcomes.Results:A total of 823 studies were recorded,86 studies underwent full-text reviews and 28 met inclusion criteria.Overall,1384 patients underwent pancreatic surgery.Mean age was 30 years and 1181 patients(85.3%)were female.The most common clinical presentation was non-specific abdominal pain(52.6%of cases).Mean overall survival was 98.1%.Mean recurrence rate was 2.8%.Mean follow-up was 4.2 years.Conclusions:Pancreatic SPTs are rare,and predominantly affect young women with unclear pathogenesis.Radical resection is the gold standard of treatment achieving good oncological impact and a favorable prognosis in a yearly life-long follow-up.