Role of endoscopic ultrasound guided FNAC in diagnosis of pancreatic TB presenting as mass lesion: a case report and review of literature

A 24-year-old male patient presented with abdominal pain, obstructive jaundice, anorexia and weight loss. Ultrasound abdomen revealed pancreatic head mass with dilated common hepatic duct and intrahepatic bliliary radicles. CECT abdomen was suggestive of pancreatic head mass invading portal vein, splenic artery and hepatic artery. Provisional diagnosis of unresectable carcinoma head of pancreas was established. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) was done, which was also suggestive of pancreatic head mass infiltrating portal vein. EUS guided Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) was taken with an intent to obtain tissue diagnosis and to start palliative chemotherapy. EUS guided FNAC features were suggestive of tuberculosis (TB). Patient was started on anti-tubercular therapy, to which he responded and was cured. Pancreatic tuberculosis should be considered as a possibility, in pancreatic mass, especially in countries where TB is endemic and establishing its diagnosis with the aid of FNAC can save trauma of major surgery to the patient, which prompted us to report this case.     

Tuberculous lymphadenitis as a cause of obstructive jaundice： A case report and literature review

Obstructive jaundice secondary to tuberculosis （TB） is extremely rare. It can be caused by TB enlargement of the head of the pancreas, TB lymphadenitis, TB stricture of the biliary tree, or a TB mass of the retroperitoneum. A 29-year-old man with no previous history of TB presented with abdominal pain, obstructive jaundice, malaise and weight loss. Ultrasonography （US）, computer tomography （CT） scan and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography （ERCP） were suggestive of a stenosis of the distal common bile duct （CBD） caused by a mass in the posterior head of the pancreas. Tumor markers, CEA and CA19-9 were within normal limits. At operation, an enlarged, centrally caseous lymph node of the posterior head of the pancreas was found, causing inflammatory stenosis and a fistula with the distal CBD. The lymph node was removed and the bile duct resected and anastomosed with the Roux-en Y jejunal limb. Histology and PCR based-assay confirmed tuberculous lymphadenitis. After an uneventful postoperative recovery, the patient was treated with anti-tuberculous medication and remained well 2.5 years later. Though obstructive jaundice secondary to tuberculous lymphadenitis is rare, abdominal TB should be considered as a differential diagnosis in immunocompromised patients and in TB endemic areas. Any stenosis or fistulation into the CBD should also be taken into consideration, and biliary bypass surgery be performed to both relieve jaundice and prevent further stricture.     

Pancreatic Tuberculosis with a Pancreaticobiliary Fistula

Pancreatic tuberculosis (TB) is a rare condition that is sometimes difficult to differentiate from pancreatic cancer or other malignancies. A 75-year-old man was admitted to our hospital because of weight loss, fever, and diarrhea. Abdominal ultrasonography and computed tomography (CT) revealed a 3-cm mass in the pancreas head with abdominal lymphadenopathy. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography did not show pancreatic duct stenosis or dilatation, but a pancreaticobiliary fistula was demonstrated. Cytological and bacteriological examinations of the pancreatic juice and bile were negative. Endoscopic ultrasonography-guided fine needle aspiration of the mass was not diagnostic. Colonoscopic features and biopsy specimens affirmed the diagnosis of TB, and treatment with antitubercular drugs was started. The pancreatic mass disappeared within 8 weeks and the pancreaticobiliary fistula resolved.     

Synchronous gallbladder and pancreatic cancer associated with pancreaticobiliary maljunction

We report the case of a 46-year-old woman who presented with chronic intermittent abdominal pain without jaundice; abdominal ultrasonography showed thickening of the gallbladder wall and dilatation of the bile duct. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreaticography showed pancreatobiliary maljunction with proximal common bile duct dilatation. Pancreatobiliary maljunction was diagnosed. A computed tomography scan of the abdomen showed suspected gallbladder cancer and distal common bile duct obstruction. A pancreatic head mass was incidentally found intraoperative. Radical cholecystectomy with pancreatoduodenectomy was performed. The pathological report showed gallbladder cancer that was synchronous with pancreatic head cancer. In the pancreatobiliary maljunction with pancreatobiliary reflux condition, double primary cancer of the pancreatobiliary system should be awared.     

Pancreatic tuberculosis. Report of two cases

We report two cases of pancreatic tuberculosis. The first patient had abdominal pain, jaundice and weight loss. Ultrasonography and CT scan suggested a pancreatic tumor. The second patient presented with abdominal pain without jaundice while CT scan showed a pancreatic mass. Diagnosis of pancreatic tuberculosis was made at laparotomy in the two cases. The two patients underwent hepatico-jejunostomy. The first one received antituberculous chemotherapy and completely recovered while the second died because of post-operative shock related to sepsis. Tuberculosis must be suspected in the presence of a pancreatic mass in endemic countries or in immunocompromised patients. Needle biopsy may in some cases lead to diagnosis and avoid laparotomy.     

胰腺结核九例的MDCT特征和误诊分析

目的 分析胰腺结核(pancreatic tuberculoses,PT)的多层螺旋CT(MDCT)征象,以期提高对该病的认识和诊断正确率.方法 收集2003年至2009年行MDCT检查并最终确诊为PT的9例患者,其中2例行MDCT血管成像.分析PT的MDCT特征性表现,并与手术及病理结果进行比较.结果 MDCT诊断为胰腺癌1例、囊腺癌1例、囊腺瘤2例、假性囊肿1例、胰腺癌伴后腹膜淋巴结转移2例、淋巴瘤2例.通过病理证实,9例均为PT,误诊率达100%.PT常表现为胰头肿块,亦可累及体尾部或整个胰腺.MDCT呈现等或略低密度的囊实性肿块,偶见钙化,增强后轻度至中度环形强化.通常不伴有胰管扩张,但常伴有后腹膜或邻近淋巴结肿大,且肿大淋巴结亦呈环形强化.有时伴有腹部其他脏器结核.结论 环形强化的肿块不伴有胰管扩张,同时伴有环形强化的肿大淋巴结为PT特征性的MDCT表现.     

PANCREATIC TUBERCULOSIS AND ITS DIAGNOSIS BY ENDOSCOPIC ULTRASONOGRAPHY: REPORT OF TWO CASES AND REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

Mass lesions in the head of the pancreas are generally malignant and it is difficult to diagnose benign lesions preoperatively. We describe two patients with pancreatic tuberculosis, who presented with abdominal pain, jaundice and a pancreatic head mass, mimicking cancer. The correct diagnosis could be made by endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) and EUS‐guided fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) cytology in both patients, precluding the need for surgery. Both patients responded well to anti‐tuberculosis treatment. We conclude that EUS with guided FNA is a useful modality to diagnose pancreatic tuberculosis.     

Tubercular biliary hilar stricture: A rare case report

Localized hepatic tuberculosis (TB) with or without bile duct involvement is a rare form of hepatobiliary tuberculosis; accounting for less than 1% of all tuberculous infections. We report an uncommon case of cholestatic jaundice with disseminated TB in an immunocompetent male who presented with simultaneous involvement of liver and biliary system.     

Tuberculosis of the Pancreas: Report of Three Cases

Three cases of pancreatic tuberculosis are described. The first patient presented with abdominal pain, weight loss, anorexia., vomiting, hepatomegaly, and mass in the head of the pancreas, on computerized tomographic (CT) scan. The second patient presented with low grade fever, anorexia, and weight loss, and was investigated for gallbladder disease. The third patient presented with obstructive jaundice and mass lesion in the head of the pancreas. Two patients underwent laparotomy for suspected pancreatic tumors. The findings of pancreatic disease was incidental during laparotomy in the second patient. The histopathology revealed caseating granuloma in all of them. The first patient responded well to treatment, and the second patient stopped treatment after 2 months and is well. The third patient is being followed. If malignancy can be ruled out, tuberculosis should be considered in relevant geographic areas, and a tissue diagnosis should be made.     

A case of peripancreatic tuberculous lymphadenitis diagnosed by endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration

Tuberculous lymphadenitis is a rare cause of obstructive jaundice. Here, we report the case of a 33-year-old male with obstructive jaundice caused by tuberculous lymphadenitis around the pancreatic head. The patient was born in China and had immigrated to Japan at 12 years of age. He presented with acute abdominal pain and jaundice. Findings from ultrasonography, computed tomography, and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography were suggestive of a stenosis of the distal common bile duct caused by multiple low-density masses around the pancreatic head with a contrast-enhanced solid rim. We successfully diagnosed the mass as tuberculous lymphadenitis using endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA). The patient was treated with anti-tuberculous combination chemotherapy for 6 months, and subsequently exhibited clinical improvement. Thus, we found that EUS-FNA was a valuable minimally invasive method for diagnosing masses that cause icterus.     

肿块型慢性胰腺炎11例的临床及影像学特征

目的 分析肿块型慢性胰腺炎的临床和影像学特点,并与胰腺肿瘤相鉴别.方法 回顾性分析11例肿块型慢性胰腺炎的临床、影像学、实验室和病理特征.结果 肿块型慢性胰腺炎多见于老年人、男性患者,临床主要表现为梗阻性黄疸和腹部不适.血清CA19-9水平可轻度升高,通常＜100U/ml,较胰腺癌低.B超对肿块型CP诊断的准确率仅18.2%,只能作为初筛手段;CT的诊断准确率为45.5%,表现为主胰管及其分支呈球样扩张,可见胰腺假性囊肿和钙化;MRCP和EUS均可见胆总管、胰管不规则扩张,表现与胰腺癌相似;ERCP可清楚显示胰胆管的病变部位、梗阻性质、胰胆管的狭窄及扩张情况等,与CT检查结合,对鉴别肿块型CP与胰头癌有重要意义.根据组织病理检查,少部分肿块型慢性胰腺炎属于自身免疫性胰腺炎.结论肿块型慢性胰腺炎临床和影像学特征与胰腺癌相似,需结合病史、临床表现、实验室及影像学检查、组织病理综合判断.     

Relapsed Acute Pancreatitis as the Initial Presentation of Pancreatic Cancer in a Young Man: A Case Report

In this report, we describe a 31-year-old man in whom acute pancreatitis was the initial feature of a subsequently diagnosed pancreatic adenocarcinoma with multiple metastases. He initially presented at our hospital with acute pancreatitis. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed a mildly dilated pancreatic duct and an enlarged pancreatic head. Although a follow-up abdominal ultrasonography revealed a progressively dilated pancreatic duct and a progressively enlarged pancreatic head, he refused further investigation and was lost to follow-up. Four months later, he returned to our hospital with relapsed acute pancreatitis. Obstructive jaundice was noted and drainage was performed. Because choledochoplasty with multiple balloon catheters was not fully effective, biliary tract bypass surgery was carried out. Intraoperative biopsy confirmed pancreatic adenocarcinoma with multiple metastases. The patient died of massive gastrointestinal bleeding a few weeks later. To our knowledge, this is the youngest case of pancreatic cancer with the uncommon initial presentation of acute pancreatitis reported in the literature. For a patient with acute pancreatitis, particularly recurrent episodes, but with no known risk factors for pancreatitis, a pancreatic neoplasm should be considered as a potential underlying cause, even in a young man.     

Sclerosing pancreatitis presenting as a periampullary tumour

BackgroundSclerosing lesions of the pancreatic duct are rare and may be secondary to primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) or the result of a primary sclerosing process (the recently described lymphoplasmacystic sclerosing pancreatitis, LSP). Occasionally this process may present as a mass lesion.Case outlineA 21 -year-old man presented with abdominal pain and jaundice, giving a high index of suspicion for a periampullary malignancy. There were minimal symptoms suggestive of PSC. The resected head of the pancreas demonstrated changes of chronic pancreatitis with a fibro-inflammatory process of the pancreatic duct suggesting an underlying ductal sclerosing process.DiscussionClinical presentation and imaging characteristics of PSC involving the pancreas are often misleading and may suggest a neoplasm as the underlying disorder. Conclusive diagnosis is usually not determined until after surgical intervention. Although racial differences in pancreatic duct involvement have been suggested, the underlying histopathology is the same as in PSC involving the biliary ducts.     

Diagnosis of pancreatic tuberculosis by combined, contrast-enhanced sonography and endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration

A 79-year-old woman complaining of epigastric pain was examined by her local physician, who found an abdominal mass and referred the patient to our department. Abdominal plain computed tomography revealed a mass, 50 mm in size, with slight calcification on the ventral side of the head of the pancreas. On abdominal ultrasound, the mass lesion consisted of an aggregation of hypoechoic masses, with a heterogeneous hyperechoic region at its center. On contrast ultrasonography, only the hyperechoic region was stained. ¹⁸F-Fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) revealed FDG accumulation in the same region. It was difficult to differentiate between a malignant pancreatic tumor and an inflammatory disease on imaging, but since QuantiFERON TB2G testing was positive, pancreatic tuberculosis was suspected, and endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy (EUS-FNA) was performed to obtain a definitive diagnosis. Samples from the hypoechoic region consisted of necrotic tissue, while those from the hyperechoic region consisted of pancreatic tissue together with granulation tissue. BCG immunostaining was positive, and a diagnosis of pancreatic tuberculosis was made. If EUS-FNA is performed on stained areas seen on contrast ultrasonography, this will probably enable a more accurate diagnosis of pancreatic tuberculosis with low invasiveness.     

Synchronous Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinomas Diagnosed by Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Fine Needle Biopsy

Cases of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma with multiple masses accompanying underlying pancreatic diseases, such as intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm, have been reported. However, synchronous invasion without underlying pancreatic disease is very rare. A 61-year-old female with abdominal discomfort and jaundice was admitted to our hospital. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) revealed cancer of the pancreatic head with direct invasion of the duodenal loop and common bile duct. However, positron emission tomography-CT showed an increased standardized uptake value (SUV) in the pancreatic head and tail. We performed endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle biopsy (EUS-FNB) for the histopathologic diagnosis of the pancreatic head and the evaluation of the increased SUV in the tail portion of the pancreas, as the characteristics of these lesions could affect the extent of surgery. As a result, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas were confirmed by both cytologic and histologic analyses. In addition, immunohistochemical analysis of the biopsy specimens was positive for carcinoembryonic antigen and p53 in both masses. The two masses were ultimately diagnosed as pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, stage IIB, based on EUS-FNB and imaging studies. In conclusion, the entire pancreas must be evaluated in a patient with a pancreatic mass to detect the rare but possible presence of synchronous pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Additionally, EUS-FNB can provide pathologic confirmation in a single procedure.     

Coexistence of pancreatic carcinoma and pancreatic tuberculosis: case report

Pancreatic tuberculosis (TB) is extremely rare and mimics pancreatic carcinoma both clinically and radiologically. This paper discusses the occurrence of 2 heterogeneous masses located in the head and tail of the pancreas in an adult male. In this patient, laparotomy was performed because of the high suspicion of pancreatic carcinoma. Intraoperative fine needle aspiration biopsy revealed the coexistence of pancreatic carcinoma with pancreatic TB, and a combined resection of the distal pancreas and spleen was successfully performed. Following surgery, the patient received standard chemotherapy for TB. At 7-month follow-up, computed tomography showed resolution of the mass in the pancreatic head. Clinicians must maintain a high index of suspicion for pancreatic TB in patients with pancreatic masses. The coexistence of malignancy and TB should be considered when patients present with multiple pancreatic masses.     

Spontaneous regression of a pancreatic head mass and biliary obstruction due to autoimmune pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND: Autoimmune pancreatitis is an evolving entity. METHODS: A patient who had spontaneous regression of a pancreatic head mass and biliary obstruction due to autoimmune pancreatitis is presented. RESULTS: A 58-year-old diabetic woman with jaundice was referred for pancreatic head carcinoma diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). At laparotomy, a pancreatic head mass (4 x 3 cm) that involved the transverse mesocolon and two other hard masses (1 cm) in the pancreatic body and tail were found. The gallbladder was palpated as a hard tumor mass. Frozen section examination of the gallbladder and pancreatic biopsies revealed cholecystitis and pancreatitis with lymphoplasmacytic infiltration. The common bile duct was brittle and unsuitable for anastomosis. Starting 1 month after the operation, drainage from the biliary catheter decreased gradually and stopped. There was no parenchymal lesion on MRI examination in the 2nd postoperative month. Cholangiography from the percutaneous catheter showed flow of contrast agent into the duodenum. Serum immunoglobulin G, G4 and E levels were increased. CONCLUSION: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of spontaneous regression of a pancreatic head mass and biliary obstruction due to autoimmune pancreatitis.     

Obstructive jaundice caused by secondary pancreatic tumor from malignant solitary fibrous tumor of pleura: A case report

A 77-year-old man on systemic chemotherapy against postoperative bilateral multiple lung metastases of malignant solitary fibrous tumor of the pleura suffered from pruritus and jaundice. Blood examination showed elevated levels of hepatobiliary enzymes. Abdominal computed tomography showed a tumor with peripheral enhancement in the pancreatic head, accompanied with the dilatation of intra- and extra-hepatic bile ducts. He was diagnosed as having obstructive jaundice caused by a pancreatic head tumor. The pancreatic head tumor was presumably diagnosed as the metastasis of malignant solitary fibrous tumor of the pleura, because the findings on the pancreatic head tumor on abdominal CT were similar to those on the primary lung lesion of malignant solitary fibrous tumor of the pleura. The pancreatic tumor grew rapidly after the implantation of metallic stent in the inferior part of the common bile duct. The patient died of lymphangitis carcinomatosa of the lungs. Autopsy revealed a tumor that spread from the pancreatic head to the hepatic hilum. Microscopically, spindle-shaped cells exhibiting nuclear atypicality or division together with collagen deposition were observed. Immunohistochemically the pancreatic head tumor cells were negative for staining of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) or CD117, but positive for vimentin, CD34 and CD99. These findings are consistent with thoseon malignant solitary fibrous tumor of the pleura. We report the first case of obstructive jaundice caused by a secondary pancreatic tumor from malignant solitary fibrous tumor of the pleura.     

Obstructive jaundice caused by secondary pancreatic tumor from malignant solitary fibrous tumor of pleura： A case report

A 77-year-old man on systemic chemotherapy against postoperative bilateral multiple lung metastases of malignant solitary fibrous tumor of the pleura suffered from pruritus and jaundice. Blood examination showed elevated levels of hepatobiliary enzymes. Abdominal computed tomography showed a tumor with peripheral enhancement in the pancreatic head, accompanied with the dilatation of intra- and extra-hepatic bile ducts. He was diagnosed as having obstructive jaundice caused by a pancreatic head tumor. The pancreatic head tumor was presumably diagnosed as the metastasis of malignant solitary fibrous tumor of the pleura, because the findings on the pancreatic head tumor on abdominal CT were similar to those on the primary lung lesion of malignant solitary fibrous tumor of the pleura. The pancreatic tumor grew rapidly after the implantation of metallic stent in the inferior part of the common bile duct. The patient died of lymphangitis carcinomatosa of the lungs. Autopsy revealed a tumor that spread from the pancreatic head to the hepatic hilum. Microscopically, spindle-shaped cells exhibiting nuclear atypicality or division together with collagen deposition were observed. Immunohistochemically the pancreatic head tumor cells were negative for staining ofα-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) or CD117, but positive for vimentin, CD34 and CD99. These findings are consistent with those on malignant solitary fibrous tumor of the pleura. We report the first case of obstructive jaundice caused by a secondary pancreatic tumor from malignant solitary fibrous tumor of the pleura.     

Pancreatic tuberculosis

Pancreatic tuberculosis (TB) is a rare condition in immunocompetent patients and often represents a diagnostic challenge. Pancreatic TB may present with protean manifestations. Imaging with ultrasound, computed tomographic (CT) or endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) usually reveals multicystic pancreatic masses, most frequently in the head of the pancreas. Fine needle aspiration or percutaneous biopsy guided by CT/ultrasound or EUS can be useful diagnostic tools. We report a case of a 60-year-old HIV-negative man who presented with a pancreatic mass and a pulmonary nodule that were subsequently diagnosed to be tuberculosis.