Epidemiology,clinical features and diagnostic work-up of cystic neoplasms of the pancreas: Interim analysis of the prospective PANCY survey

IntroductionA prospective survey to evaluate the diagnostic workup of cystic pancreatic neoplasms (CPNs) according to the Italian guidelines.MethodsAn online data sheet was built.ResultsFifteen of the 1385 patients (1.1%) had non cystic neoplastic lesions. Forty percent (518/1295) had at least one 1st degree relative affected by a solid tumor of the digestive and extra-digestive organs. Symptoms/signs associated with the cystic lesion were present in 24.5% of the patients. The cysts were localized in the head of the pancreas in 38.5% of patients. Of the 2370 examinations (1.7 examinations per patient) which were carried out for the diagnosis, magnetic resonance imaging was performed as a single test in 48.4% of patients and in combination with endoscopic ultrasound in 27% of the cases. Of the 1370 patients having CPNs, 89.9% had an intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) (70.1% a branch duct IPMN, 6.2% a mixed type IPMN and 4.6% a main duct IPMN), 12.7% had a serous cystadenoma, 2.8% a mucinous cystadenoma, 1.5% a non-functioning cystic neuroendocrine neoplasm, 0.7% a solid-pseudopapillary cystic neoplasm, 0.3% a cystic adenocarcinoma, and 1.2% an undetermined cystic neoplasm. Seventy-eight (5.7%) patients were operated upon after the initial work-up.ConclusionsThis prospective study offers a reliable real-life picture of the diagnostic work-up CPN.     

Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms of the pancreas: clinical surveillance and malignant progression, multifocality and implications of a field-defect

Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) are a heterogeneous group of mucin producing cystic tumors that involve the main pancreatic duct and/or branch ducts and may be associated with invasive carcinoma. Predicting the risk of malignant transformation of an IPMN lesion can be challenging. The Sendai criteria, based in large part on radiographic imaging features, help guide surgical intervention based on the stratification of cysts into high and low risk lesions for malignancy. Invasive carcinoma may develop in the index IPMN lesion or in a separate site within the pancreas, supporting the concept of a field defect in IPMN tumorigenesis. This stresses the importance of evaluation of the entire pancreas upon diagnosis of IPMN and continued surveillance of the residual pancreas following resection. Herein, the authors summarize the data presented at the 2012 ASCO Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium regarding prevalence and site of invasive carcinoma detected in patients undergoing surveillance for IPMN (Abstract #152).     

Clinicopathological features and medical management of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms

BACKGROUND: Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMN) are a clinicopathological entity that is being diagnosed with increasing frequency. However, the best approach to medical management of IPMN needs to be clarified. The aim of the present study was to identify preoperative features that may be predictors of malignant IPMN, and to define the medical management of IPMN of the pancreas. METHODS: A total of 23 patients who underwent surgical resection for IPMN of the pancreas at Kochi Medical School between 1982 and 2004 were examined. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to identify factors independently associated with IPM carcinoma. RESULTS: Among the 23 patients, 12 had IPMN adenoma, three had borderline IPMN, four had IPMN with carcinoma in situ, and four had IPMN with invasive carcinoma. In multivariate analysis, elevated serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and carbohydrate antigen (CA) 19-9 levels were found to be preoperative predictors of malignant IPMN. These results suggest that the following IPMN of the pancreas should be resected: (i) IPMN of the pancreas situated in the main duct; (ii) IPMN located in the branch duct if the size of the cystic lesion is >30 mm and the mural nodules are >5 mm in height by endoscopic ultrasound (EUS); and (iii) the diameter of the main pancreatic duct is >10 mm by endoscopic retrograde pancreatography (ERP). Careful observation of patients with branch-type IPMN with small cysts and/or without mural nodules is recommended as a management strategy. CONCLUSION: The present study reinforces the need for immediate surgical resection of malignant IPMN and suggests indicators for IPMN that should assist physicians in making decisions on treatment options.     

Prevalence,Diagnosis and Management of Pancreatic Cystic Neoplasms: Current Status and Future Directions

Cystic neoplasms of the pancreas are found with increasing prevalence, especially in elderly asymptomatic individuals. Although the overall risk of malignancy is very low, the presence of these pancreatic cysts is associated with a large degree of anxiety and further medical investigation due to concerns about malignancy. This review discusses the different cystic neoplasms of the pancreas and reports diagnostic strategies based on clinical features and imaging data. Surgical and nonsurgical management of the most common cystic neoplasms, based on the recently revised Sendai guidelines, is also discussed, with special reference to intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN; particularly the branch duct variant), which is the lesion most frequently identified incidentally. IPMN pathology, its risk for development into pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, the pros and cons of current guidelines for management, and the potential role of endoscopic ultrasound in determining cancer risk are discussed. Finally, surgical treatment, strategies for surveillance of pancreatic cysts, and possible future directions are discussed.     

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-year- old 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.     

胰腺癌前病变诊断和治疗

目的 通过对7例胰腺癌前病变患者的临床诊断和治疗分析,探讨此类疾病诊断方法的应用及治疗策略.方法 收集2006年1月-2007年12月92例手术治疗胰腺肿瘤中有癌前病变的7例患者,其中黏液囊腺瘤(MCN)1例、导管内乳头状黏液瘤(IPMN)2例、胰腺内分泌肿瘤1例、胰腺上皮内瘤变(PanIN)Ⅰ级、Ⅱ级及Ⅲ级各1例.采用免疫荧光分析法测定患者血清CA19-9.7例上腹部均行超声和螺旋CT检查;1例行超声内镜检查及穿刺;2例行逆行胰胆管造影检查.结果 胰腺癌前病变临床表现不典型,影像学检查常无实质性肿块,但PanIN可伴有胰管扩张、狭窄;IPMN在胰头处可表现为囊性扩张的胰管;囊腺瘤等在胰体尾处可表现为单个孤立的囊肿.肿瘤指标CA19-9在此类疾病中可轻度增高.但对诊断作用有限.手术切除可治愈,并可防止肿瘤的进一步癌变.结论 对疑为胰腺癌前病变患者需积极选用多种影像学方法进行诊断,并予以积极的手术探查及切除.     

Current status on the diagnosis and management of pancreatic cysts in the Asia-Pacific region: role of endoscopic ultrasound

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and EUS-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) play increasingly prominent roles in the diagnosis and management of pancreatic cysts. The Asian Consortium of Endoscopic Ultrasound was recently formed to conduct collaborative research in this area. This is a review of literature on true pancreatic cysts. Due to the lack of systematic studies, there are no robust data on the true incidence of pancreatic cystic lesions in Asia and any change in over the recent decades. Certain EUS morphological features have been used to predict particular types of pancreatic cysts. Pancreatic cyst fluid viscosity, cytology, pancreatic enzymes, and tumor markers, in particular carcinoembryonic antigen, can aid in the diagnosis of pancreatic cysts. Hemorrhage and infection are the most common complications of EUS-FNA of pancreatic cysts. Pancreatic cysts can either be observed or resected depending on the benign or malignant nature, or malignant potential of the lesions. Guidelines from an international consensus did not require positive cytological findings to be present in their recommendation for resection, which included all mucinous cystic neoplasms, all main-duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMN), all mixed IPMN, symptomatic side-branch IPMN, and side-branch IPMN larger than 3 cm. In patients with poor surgical risks, EUS-guided cyst ablation of mucinous pancreatic cysts is an alternative. As long-term prospective data on pancreatic cysts are still not available in Asia, management strategies are largely based on risk stratification by surgical risk and malignant potential. Gene expression profiling of pancreatic cyst fluid and confocal laser endomicroscopic examination of pancreatic cysts are novel techniques currently being studied.     

Updates in diagnosis and management of pancreatic cysts

Incidental pancreatic cysts are commonly encountered with some cysts having malignant potential. The most common pancreatic cystic neoplasms include serous cystadenoma, mucinous cystic neoplasm and intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm. Risk stratifying pancreatic cysts is important in deciding whether patients may benefit from endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) or surgical resection. Surgery should be reserved for patients with malignant cysts or cysts at high risk for developing malignancy as suggested by various risk features including solid mass, nodule and dilated main pancreatic duct. EUS may supplement magnetic resonance imaging findings for cysts that remain indeterminate or have concerning features on imaging. Various cyst fluid markers including carcinoembryonic antigen, glucose, amylase, cytology, and DNA markers help distinguish mucinous from nonmucinous cysts. This review will guide the practicing gastroenterologist in how to evaluate incidental pancreatic cysts and when to consider referral for EUS or surgery. For presumed low risk cysts, surveillance strategies will be discussed. Managing pancreatic cysts requires an individualized approach that is directed by the various guidelines.     

Resektion zystischer Pankreastumoren

Cystic tumors of the pancreas are diagnosed increasingly more due to increasing life expectancy and the moderate use of modern radiological diagnostics. Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms of the pancreas (IPMN), mucinous cystic neoplasms (MCN), solid pseudopapillary neoplasms (SPN) and serous cystic neoplasms (SCN) represent over 90?% of all cystic neoplasms of the pancreas. Although serous cystic lesions have a low or even no potential for malignant transformation, they are mostly resected when symptomatic. In contrast, mucinous lesions have an increased malignant potential and should therefore be resected in almost all cases. While this is true for all cases of MCNs and SPNs this is controversial for all IPMNs as they show a wide spectrum of morphological variants. The IPMNs may arise in the main pancreatic duct, major side branches or in both (mixed type). Although all IPMNs are considered to be precursor lesions to pancreatic adenocarcinomas it is not clear what the time course of such potential neoplastic transformation might be and whether all lesions progress to malignant tumors. As no currently used diagnostic test can reliably differentiate between benign and malignant tumors, the majority of newly diagnosed IPMNs should undergo surgical resection. According to current treatment guidelines (Sendai criteria), asymptomatic side branch IPMNs of less than 3 cm in diameter without suspicious radiological features, such as nodules, thickness of the cystic wall or size progression can be treated conservatively without the need for surgical resection. Recently, this approach has become controversial due to a relevant number of IPMNs reported as Sendai negative that showed malignant transformation on final histological examination.     

Duodenum-preserving total pancreatic head resection for cystic neoplastic lesions in the head of the pancreas

Background/Purpose

Cystic neoplastic lesions of the pancreas are now found with increasing frequency. Duodenumpreserving pancreatic head resection with segmental resection of the duodenum has been introduced for the surgical treatment of inflammatory and neoplastic lesions. We report the following data from 15 patients treated surgically for cystic neoplastic lesions of the pancreas head.

Methods

Duodenum-preserving total pancreatic head resection (DPPHRt) with segmental resection of the duodenum (SD) was performed in eight patients, five with intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN), two with mucinous cystic neoplasm (MCN), and one with cystic endocrine neoplasm (EN). In four patients, a subtotal pancreatic head resection was performed, but recurrence of the IPMN lesion was observed in two patients. Ten patients suffered cystadenoma, three patients had a borderline lesion, and two patients had an in-situ carcinoma.

Results

Eight patients had a DPPHRt with SD resection, two patients had a resection of the uncinate process including segmental resection of the inferior duodenal segment, and one patient had a duodenum-and spleen-preserving total pancreatectomy. In four patients a DPPHR with subtotal pancreatic head resection was carried out. Postoperative local complications occurred in eight patients: there was a recurrence of the IPMN lesion in the remnant pancreatic head in two patients; and there was intraabdominal bleeding in one patient, pancreatic fistula in one patient, and delay of gastric emptying in four patients. Seven patients showed signs of acute pancreatitis. Hospital mortality was 0%, and postoperative length of hospital stay was 10. 4 days (range, 8–18 days).

Conclusions

Duodenum-preserving total pancreatic head resection for IPMN, MCN, serous cystadenoma (SCA), and cystic EN lesions is a safe and beneficial surgical procedure. Segmental resection of the duodenum was applied for an oncologically complete resection. In regard to long-term outcome, the procedure is, additionally, a pancreatic cancer preventive strategy.

     

Cyst fluid SPINK1 may help to differentiate benign and potentially malignant cystic pancreatic lesions

ObjectiveDifferential diagnosis between benign and potentially malignant cystic pancreatic lesions may be difficult. Previously we have compared cyst fluid serine protease inhibitor Kazal type I (SPINK1) with some traditionally used tumour markers (amylase, CEA, Ca19-9) and found that it may be a new promising maker in the differential diagnosis of cystic pancreatic lesions. In the present study, we focused on cyst fluid SPINK1 levels in benign and potentially malignant cystic pancreatic lesions.DesignSixty-one patients operated on for cystic pancreatic lesion in Tampere University Hospital, Finland and in Verona University Hospital, Italy, were included. Cyst fluid was aspirated during surgery, stored at ?70 °C, and analysed with immunofluorometric assay for SPINK1. The final diagnosis was acute pancreatitis with fluid collection (Acute FC) in 4 patients, chronic pseudocyst (PS) in 17 patients, serous cystadenoma (SCA) in 7 patients, mucinous cystadenoma (MCA) in 21 patients and intraductal papillary-mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) in 12 patients (9 main/mixed duct type and 3 branch duct type).ResultsThe acute FC patients had high SPINK1 levels. Among chronic cysts, SPINK1 levels were significantly higher in patients with potentially malignant cysts (main/mixed duct IPMN and MCA) than with benign cysts (side branch IPMN and SCA), (median and range, [480 (13–3602) vs. 18 (0.1–278) μg/L]; p < 0.0001). In the subcohort of 24 patients with <3 cm chronic cyst, cyst fluid SPINK 1 levels were significantly lower in SCA or side branch IPMN (3 [2–116] μg/L) than in main duct IPMN or MCA (638 [66–3602] μg/L; p = 0.018). The best sensitivity and specificity to differentiate any size MCA or main/mixed type IPMN from SCA or side branch IPMN were 85% and 84% (AUC 0.94; cut-off value 118 μg/L). The best sensitivity and specificity to differentiate <3 cm MCA or main duct IPMN from SCA or side branch IPMN were 93% and 89% (AUC 0.98; cut-off value 146 μg/L).ConclusionsCyst fluid SPINK1 may be a possible marker in the differential diagnosis of benign and potentially malignant cystic pancreatic lesions.     

Management of intraductal papillary-mucinous neoplasm of the pancreas: treatment strategy based on morphologic classification

GOALS: The aim of this study was to examine and clarify the preoperative markers that are useful for differentiating between benign and malignant lesions of intraductal papillary-mucinous neoplasms (IPMN) of the pancreas, grouped according to morphologic classification. BACKGROUND: There are various stages of pathology in IPMN, ranging from benign to malignant lesions. Although the determination of appropriate treatment guidelines to deal with IPMN is a critical issue, no such guidelines have been established. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred twenty cases of IPMN were classified morphologically into either main or branch duct types. We compared the morphologic classification with histopathologic diagnosis using indicators of malignancy detected by imaging such as main duct diameter, the number and diameter of cysts, and the presence or absence of mural nodules. We also examined the usefulness of pancreatic juice cytology and measurement of telomerase activity as indicators of malignancy. Finally, we performed a survival analysis on the basis of morphologic classification to determine prognosis of IPMN. RESULTS: Whereas a high incidence (64%) of malignant lesions was seen in main duct type IPMN, benign lesions were dominant (80.5%) in branch duct type IPMN. Survival analysis showed that the prognosis was significantly worse in main duct type than in branch duct type IPMN. The lesions were aggravated in all patients with main duct type who did not undergo resection, resulting in death due to progression of the pancreatic lesion. The incidence of mural nodules was a useful indicator in main duct type, whereas main duct diameter and incidence of mural nodules were useful indicators in branch duct type. Although pancreatic juice cytology showed a high accuracy rate with low sensitivity for determining malignancy, measurement of telomerase activity in this juice was very effective for differentiating between benign and malignant lesions. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of malignant lesions was extremely high in main duct type IPMN, indicating that surgery is required in all these patients. However, to determine whether surgery is indicated in branch duct type IPMN it is necessary to obtain an appropriate image diagnosis focusing on main duct diameter and mural nodules and also to carry out cytology and measurement of telomerase activity in samples of pancreatic juice.     

Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms of the pancreas: is the puzzle solved?

Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMN) are drawing more attention and being detected more frequently. This review focuses on current understanding of the management of IPMN, regarding morphological classification, subclassification by cell lineage features, molecular abnormalities, radiological and imaging evaluation, progression to cancer, incidence and risk factors for malignancy, risk of distinct pancreatic adenocarcinoma and extrapancreatic malignancies, treatment strategy, and types of surgical resection. In particular, missing links in solving the IPMN puzzles are described with regard to differential diagnosis, role of cyst fluid analysis, multifocal IPMN, histological evaluation of the surgical specimen, observation without resection, follow up of patients after resection, role of adjuvant therapy for invasive carcinoma, screening for other neoplasms in patients with IPMN on follow up, prognostic factors influencing long-term outcomes, and role of endoscopic therapy.     

Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm and acute pancreatitis

Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) are cystic pancreatic tumors that arise from the pancreatic ducts and are increasingly reported worldwide. Both benign and malignant tumors of the pancreas are thought to contribute to recurrent pancreatitis possibly by pancreatic duct obstruction, and IPMNs contribute to a major share of this burden. The rate of acute pancreatitis (AP) in IPMN patients in the largest published surgical series has varied from 12% to 67%. IPMN may be categorized into 3 forms on the basis of the areas of involvement: main pancreatic duct (MD-IPMN), side branch (SB-IPMN), or combined. Both MD-IPMN and SB-IPMN may be the cause of pancreatitis. The risk of AP seems to be similar with both main duct IPMN and SB-IPMN, although data are controversial. AP in IPMN patients is not severe and often recurs without treatment. The rate of AP does not seem to differ among benign and malignant IPMNs, and the correlation between the malignant potential and the occurrence of AP is ill defined. AP seems to occur more often in patients with IPMN that in those with usual pancreatic adenocarcinoma possibly because of obstruction of the main duct by thick, abundant mucus secretion. Although the Sendai guidelines recommend surgical resection in patients with SB-IPMN with AP, data are controversial. Moreover, in patients with an episode of pancreatitis, the finding of pancreatic cysts is often attributed to pseudocysts or fluid collections that make the diagnosis of IPMN less suspicious. Future longitudinal and prospective studies to understand the natural history of AP in patients with IPMN are required to better manage patients with recurrent AP in the setting of IPMN.     

Diagnosis and management of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor in von Hippel-Lindau disease

The pancreatic manifestations seen in patients with von Hippel-Lindau(VHL) disease are subdivided into 2 categories:pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors(NET),and cystic lesions,including simple cyst and serous cystadenoma.The VHL-associated cystic lesions are generally asymptomatic and do not require any treatment,unless they are indistinguishable from other cystic tumor types with malignant potential.Because pancreatic NET in VHL disease are non-functioning and have malignant potential,it is of clinical importance to find and diagnose these as early as possible.It will be recommended that comprehensive surveillance using dynamic computed tomography for abdominal manifestations,including pancreatic NET,should start from the age of 15 years in VHL patients.Unlike sporadic non-functioning NET without VHL disease,in which surgical resection is generally recommended,VHL patients at lower metastatic risk of pancreatic NET should be spared the risks of operative resection.     

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.     

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.     

Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm of the pancreas: diagnosis and treatment

Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) is characterized by cystic dilatation of the main and/or branch pancreatic duct. Only one-third of all patients are symptomatic, and others are diagnosed by chance. IPMNs are classified into 3 types: main duct, branch duct, and mixed IPMN. Most branch-type IPMNs are benign, while the other 2 types are frequently malignant. The presence of large mural nodules increases the possibility of malignancy in all types. Presence of a large branch-type IPMN and marked dilatation of the main duct indicate, at the very least, the existence of adenoma. Ultrasonography, endosonography, and intraductal ultrasonography clearly demonstrate ductal dilatation and mural nodules, and magnetic resonance pancreatography best visualizes the entire outline of IPMN. Not infrequently, synchronous or metachronous malignancy develops in various organs, including the pancreas. Prognosis is excellent after complete resection of benign and noninvasive malignant IPMNs. Asymptomatic branch-type IPMNs without mural nodules may be followed up without resection. Malignant IPMNs displaying acquired aggressiveness after parenchymal invasion require adequate lymph node dissection. Total pancreatectomy is needed for some IPMNs; its benefits, however, must be balanced against operative and postoperative risks because most IPMNs are slow growing and affect elderly people, and prognosis is favorable for IPMN patients with even malignant neoplasms.     

Pancreatic incidentalomas: Investigation and management

The incidence of pancreatic incidentalomas (PIs) detected in otherwise asymptomatic patients is growing with the increasing quality and use of advanced imaging techniques. PI can present as isolated main pancreatic duct dilation or as a solid or cystic lesion. Although historically thought to be relatively rare, PIs are rather common, particularly cystic lesions of the pancreas, which can be detected in up to 49% of the general population. With the poor prognosis of pancreatic cancer, PIs are an opportunity for prevention and early diagnosis, but when managed poorly, they can also lead to overtreatment and unnecessary morbidity. The management of PI should begin with a dedicated pancreas protocol computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to accurately characterize duct size, lesion characteristics and establish an accurate baseline for subsequent follow up. Diagnosis and subsequent management depends on the extent of main duct dilation and solid versus cystic appearance. Solid lesions are highly concerning for malignancy. Cystic lesions can be further categorized as intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms of the pancreas (IPMNs) or mucinous cystic neoplasms (MCNs), both of which harbour malignant potential, or as serous cystic neoplasms (SCNs) that are benign. In this paper, we summarize the major challenges related to PI and present pragmatic suggestions for management.     

Laparoscopic resection of synchronous intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms: A case report

We describe herein a 68-year-old woman who was diagnosed with a quite rare entity of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) occurring simultaneously in the left lateral lobe of liver and the tail of pancreas. Abdominal computed tomography and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography showed a cystic dilatation of the pancreatic duct in the pancreatic tail, which suggested an IPMN, and multiple intrahepatic duct stones in the left lateral lobe. The patient underwent a laparoscopic left lateral hepatolobectomy and spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy. Intra-operative finding of massive mucin in the dilated bile duct implied an intraductal mucinous tumor in the liver. The diagnosis of synchronous IPMNs in the liver and pancreas was confirmed by pathological examination. The patient was followed up for 6 mo without signs of recurrence. Although several cases of IPMN of liver without any pancreatic association have been reported, the simultaneous occurrence of IPMNs in the liver and pancreas is very rare. To the best of our knowledge, it is the first reported case treated by laparoscopic resection.