Reoperation for heterochronic intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm of the pancreas after bile duct neoplasm resection:A case report

BACKGROUND Intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct(IPNB)and intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm(IPMN)of the pancreas have similar pathological manifestations.However,they often develop separately and it is rare for both to occur together.Patients presenting with heterochronic IPMN after IPNB are prone to be misdiagnosed with tumor recurrence.CASE SUMMARY A 67-year-old male patient was admitted 8.5 years after IPNB carcinoma and 4 years after the discovery of a pancreatic tumor.A left hepatic bile duct tumor with distal bile duct dilatation was found 8.5 years ago by the computed tomography;therefore,a left hepatectomy was performed.The postoperative pathological diagnosis was malignant IPNB with negative cutting edge and pathological stage T1N0M0.Magnetic resonance imaging 4 years ago showed cystic lesions in the pancreatic head with pancreatic duct dilatation,and carcinoembryonic antigen continued to increase.Positron emission tomography showed a maximum standard uptake value of 11.8 in the soft tissue mass in the pancreatic head,and a malignant tumor was considered.Radical pancreatoduodenectomy was performed.Postoperative pathological diagnosis was pancreatic head IPMN with negative cutting edge,pancreaticobiliary type,stage T3N0M0.He was discharged 15 d after the operation.Follow-up for 6 mo showed no tumor recurrence,and quality of life was good.CONCLUSION IPNB and IPMN are precancerous lesions with similar pathological characteristics and require active surgery and long-term follow-up.

Less common neoplasms of the pancreas

最近，有除管的腺癌以外的胰的瘤的增加的识别。尽管因为在那里的胰腺的腺癌是展出多样的生物行为和恶意的变化的度的许多不同损害，不也学习了或描绘。这些损害包括：内分泌的瘤，囊性瘤，稳固的假乳头瘤，腺泡房间癌，有鳞的房间癌，胰的主要淋巴瘤，和到胰的变形损害。当诊断成像的数字和敏感学习增加，这些不太普通的瘤更经常正在被诊断。这篇评论文章讨论这些更少的临床的功课，诊断，和治疗普通，却相当相关，胰的瘤。

Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor and solid-pseudopapillary neoplasm: Key immunohistochemical profiles for differential diagnosis

AIM To reveal better diagnostic markers for differentiating neuroendocrine tumor(NET) from solid-pseudopapillary neoplasm(SPN), focusing primarily on immunohistochemical analysis.METHODS We reviewed 30 pancreatic surgical specimens of NET(24 cases) and SPN(6 cases). We carried out comprehensive immunohistochemical profiling using 9 markers: Synaptophysin, chromogranin A, pancytokeratin, E-cadherin, progesterone receptor,vimentin, α-1-antitrypsin, CD10, and β-catenin.RESULTS E-cadherin staining in NETs, and nuclear labeling of β-catenin in SPNs were the most sensitive and specific markers. Dot-like staining of chromogranin A might indicate the possibility of SPNs rather than NETs. The other six markers were not useful because their expression overlapped widely between NETs and SPNs. Moreover, two cases that had been initially diagnosed as NETs on the basis of their morphological features, demonstrated SPN-like immunohistochemical profiles. Careful diagnosis is crucial as we actually found two confusing cases showing disagreement between the tumor morphology and immunohistochemical profiles.CONCLUSION E-cadherin, chromogranin A, and β-catenin were the most useful markers which should be employed for differentiating between NET and SPN.

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.

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.

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 vs66.8±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.

Combined laparoscopic spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy and islet autotransplantation for benign pancreatic neoplasm

AIM:To evaluate the safety and feasibility of laparoscopic spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy(LSPDP)with autologous islet transplantation(AIT)for benign tumors of the pancreatic body-neck.METHODS:Three non-diabetic,female patients(age37,44 and 35 years,respectively)were declared candidates for surgery,between May and September 2011,because of pancreatic body/neck cystic lesions.The planned operation was an LSPDP associated with AIT from the normal pancreas distal to the neoplasm.Islets isolation was performed on the residual pancreatic parenchyma after frozen section examination of the margin.Purified autologous islets were infused into the portal vein by a percutaneous transhepatic approach the day after surgery.RESULTS:The procedure was performed successfully in all the three cases,and the spleen was preserved along with its vessels.Mean operation time was 283±52 min and average blood loss was 133±57 mL.Residual pancreas weights were 33,22 and 30 g,and105.200,40.390 and 94.790 islet equivalents were isolated,respectively.Surgical complications occurred in one patient(grade A pancreatic fistula).Postoperative stays were 6,6 and 7 d,respectively.Histopathological evaluation revealed mucinous cystic neoplasm in cases1 and 3,and serous cystic neoplasm in patient 2.No postoperative insulin administration was required.One patient developed a transient partial portal thrombosis2 mo after islet infusion.Patients are insulin independent at a mean follow up of 8±2 mo.CONCLUSION:Combination of LSPDP and AIT is feasible and could be effective to minimize the surgical impact for benign neoplasm of pancreatic body-neck.

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.

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.

Synchronous pancreatic solid pseudopapillary neoplasm and intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm

Solid pseudopapillary neoplasm (SPN) is a rare and low-grade malignant pancreatic neoplasm composed of poorly cohesive monomorphic neoplastic cells forming solid and pseudopapillary structures with frequent hemorrhagic-cystic degeneration. Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) is a pancreatic exocrine tumor composed of intraductal papillary growth of mucin containing neoplastic cells in the main pancreatic duct or its major branches. In the case presented here, a 53-year-old, Japanese man was found to have multiple cystic lesions and dilatation of the main pancreatic duct in the neck of the pancreas. Histological examination revealed a main-duct and branch-duct type IPMN, of the gastric-type, involving the neck of the pancreas, associated with a 0.5 cm SPN in the caudal side of the IPMN. We diagnosed this case as synchronous SPN and IPMN. As far as we know, only one other case of synchronous SPN and IPMN has been reported. Both the present case and the previously reported case showed abnormal nuclear expression of β-catenin in SPN, whereas IPMN showed no abnormal nuclear expression. These results suggest that β-catenin abnormality is not a common pathogenetic factor of synchronous SPN and IPMN.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Blood group type antigens in pancreatic intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms

BACKGROUND: There are few data on blood group(BG) types and types of pancreatic cancers. The aims of this study were to study BG types and BG-antigens in pancreatic intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms(IPMNs). METHODS: BG type and tumor BG-antigen(glycoprotein) expression(studied by immunohistochemistry on tissue microarrays) were analyzed with regard to characteristics of 101 surgically resected pancreatic IPMNs. RESULTS: Non-O BG type predicted invasive carcinoma independently from high serum CA19-9 and male gender. BG type A was observed more frequently in women than in men. Chronic pancreatitis was more frequently seen in patients with BG type B or AB. Aberrant tumor expression(with regard to BG type) of loss of A antigen expression type occurred in 15.0% of IPMNs and of loss of B antigen expression type in 62.5% of IPMNs. Intraneoplasm BG-antigen expression was not related to dysplasia grade or invasion. CONCLUSION: The results of the study suggest that in pancreatic IPMN, non-O BG type predicted invasive carcinoma, whereas for intratumor BG-antigen expression no specific patterns were detected with regard to the progression of glandular epithelial dysplasia or invasion.

Ultrasonographic Characteristics of Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasm of the Pancreas

Objective To analyze the clinical and ultrasonographic imaging features of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm(IPMN) of the pancreas.Methods Twelve patients with IPMN underwent surgery between May 2005 and December 2008,including 4(33.3%) with adenoma and 8(66.7%) with adenocarcinoma.IPMN was classified preoperatively into 3 types based on sonographic findings of different sites:main duct,branch duct,and combined type.All clinical presentations and ultrasonographic findings of those patients were reviewed and the correlation between ultrasonographic findings and histopathological results was analyzed.Results There were 9 men and 3 women with a mean age of 60.1±9.6 years(range,32-73).Of all the 12 patients with IPMN,9(75.0%) had experienced some symptoms of epigastric discomfort and/or pain as well as backache;7 cases were with medical history of acute pancreatitis,5 cases with diabetes,4 cases with elevated CA19-9,and 2 cases with steatorrhea.All lesions of IPMN have been revealed by transabdominal ultrasonography.The mean diameters of the lesions were 1.4±0.8 cm(range,0.5-2.0) and 6.3±6.0 cm(range,2.0-20.0) in adenomas and adenocarcinomas,respectively.And the mean diameters of the main duct in adenomas and adenocarcinomas were 1.0±0.8 cm and 1.6±1.0 cm,respectively.Among the 4 adnomas,3(75.0%) cases were classified as branch type based on sonographic findings,and 2 were demonstrated as mural nodules in which no color signals was detected.Among the 8 adenocarcinomas,5(62.5%) cases were classified as main duct type,and 3(37.5%) as combined type.In 7 of the 8 adenocarcinomas,mural nodules were detected within the dilated ducts or cysts of the lesions in which color flow signals were detected.Conclusions Transabdominal ultrasonography can reveal the pancreatic cystic lesions of IPMN as well as dilated pancreatic ducts.Some characteristics should be noticed as suggesting the possibility of malignancy:clinical symptoms of pancreatic insufficiency,large tumor size,and mural nodules with color Doppler flow signals.Transabdominal ultrasonography could be a useful tool to help diagnose and make appropriate management of 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.