Clinical fate of branch duct and mixed forms of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasia of the pancreas

Aims:  The aim of the present study was to assess the clinical fate of, and to gain new insights into, branch duct and mixed (predominantly main duct type) forms of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasia of the pancreas (IPMN).
Methods:  During a 17-year period, 99 successive IPMN patients (52 men, 47 women; mean age, 64 years) were included and divided into two groups for further comparison: one group had branch duct IPMN, whereas the other had mixed IPMN.
Results:  Patients from the mixed IPMN group ( n  = 52) displayed a greater rate of symptoms (83% vs 55%, P  = 0.004), pancreatic resection (67% vs 38%, P  = 0.007), malignancy (35% vs 13%, P  = 0.017) and death (15% vs 4%, P  = 0.09) than those from the branch duct IPMN group. A 38-month follow up of non-operated, symptom-free patients confirmed that more than 85% of branch duct IPMN patients were asymptomatic without evidence of malignancy. Borderline lesions and carcinoma are found in up to 50% of symptomatic resected branch duct IPMN cases.
Conclusion:  Patients with the mixed form of IPMN as well as with symptomatic branch duct IPMN should require pancreatic resection because of symptoms and the risk for malignancy. In silent branch duct IPMN without radiological signs of malignancy, a non-operative watch-and-wait strategy can be discussed.     

MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES FOR BRANCH DUCT INTRADUCTAL PAPILLARY‐MUCINOUS NEOPLASMS

Management strategies for branch duct intraductal papillary‐mucinous neoplasms (IPMN) have been discussed. The authors’ clinical criteria with special attention to the size of cystic lesion, the diameter of main pancreatic duct, and the size of mural nodule established in 2001 is useful for managing branch duct IPMN. A total of 55 of 60 cases with branch duct IPMN had no radiologic progression during an average follow up of 701 days. In addition, no case out of 27 cases with branch duct IPMN followed up for 3 years changed to positive in cytological examination using pancreatic juice. There were four cases of branch type IPMN with some changes in their image findings. There were two cases of branch type IPMN with pancreatic symptoms. A total of three out of these five cases were surgically resected. The ordinary‐type ductal carcinoma was detected in two cases with branch duct IPMN at 3 or 4 years later. These results suggest that a long‐term careful follow‐up study by computed tomography or ultrasonography at every 6 months would be needed in the management of branch duct IPMN. Further studies will be needed to dissolve this problem in the future.     

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.     

LATERAL SPREAD ALONG THE MAIN PANCREATIC DUCT IN BRANCH‐DUCT INTRADUCTAL PAPILLARY‐MUCINOUS NEOPLASMS OF THE PANCREAS: USEFULNESS OF INTRADUCTAL ULTRASONOGRAPHY FOR ITS EVALUATION

Background: Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMN) of the pancreas tend to spread intraepithelially along the pancreatic duct wall. We evaluated histopathological intraductal lateral spread (LS) along the main pancreatic duct (MPD) from branch‐duct IPMN and investigated the usefulness of intraductal ultrasonography (IDUS) for its preoperative diagnosis. Patients and Methods: Twenty‐four patients with branch‐duct IPMN who had undergone preoperative IDUS and surgery were reviewed clinicopathologically. The prevalence and histological length of LS along the MPD from branch‐duct IPMN, characteristics of the patients with LS, and efficacy of LS assessment by IDUS were examined. Results: LS along the MPD was observed in 54% of the subjects. In the group of patients with LS, its mean length was 25.2 ± 16.8 mm (5–50 mm) and the diameter of the MPD was 6 mm or greater. Of the patients with LS, those in whom the length of LS along the MPD was longer than the diameter of the cystically dilated branch accounted for 30%. The diameter of the MPD in the group with LS was significantly greater than that in the group without LS (P = 0.03). The sensitivity, specificity, and overall accuracy of IDUS in the detection of LS were 92%, 91%, and 92%, respectively. Conclusion: LS along the MPD was detected in about half of the resected cases of branch‐duct IPMN. Preoperative transpapillary IDUS may be beneficial for the determination of the resection line, especially in those branch‐duct IPMN patients in whom the MPD is 6 mm or greater in diameter.     

Calcifying obstructive pancreatitis: a study of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm associated with pancreatic calcification.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: We have observed intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) associated with pancreatic calcification. The aim of this study is to describe the profile of IPMN associated with calcification and gain insights into the pathogenesis of calcification in IPMN. METHODS: We identified 10 patients with IPMN with pancreatic calcification, of whom 7 underwent pancreatic resection. We reviewed demographic data, history of previous pancreatitis, and radiological and histological features of these patients. RESULTS: In patients with IPMN with calcification (mean age, 65 +/- 12 yr; 50% men), a diagnosis of chronic calcifying pancreatitis was entertained in 5 of 10 patients; 2 patients had undergone previous endoscopic therapy for stone removal. There was no previous history of pancreatitis in 9 of 10 patients. Radiologically, calcifications were seen diffusely throughout the gland in 8 of 10 patients and interpreted as chronic calcific pancreatitis. Although 1 of the 7 patients who underwent resection had diffuse IPMN throughout the gland, 6 patients had IPMN confined to the head or uncinate process (mean size, 2.75 cm; range, 1.1-5 cm). Histologically, 6 of 7 IPMNs were adenomas, and 1 patient had invasive cancer. No patient had intratumoral calcification. All 7 patients had calcification within the main pancreatic duct and/or side branches, often within inspissated mucus. CONCLUSIONS: IPMN associated with pancreatic calcification can lead to misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment for chronic calcifying pancreatitis. In the absence of intratumoral calcification or a previous history of long-standing chronic pancreatitis, calcification in IPMN likely represents a unique and hitherto unrecognized form of calcifying obstructive pancreatitis caused by prolonged partial obstruction of the pancreatic duct.     

Outcomes of nonresected main-duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms of the pancreas

AIM:To compare characteristics and outcomes of resected and nonresected main-duct and mixed intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms of the pancreas(IPMN).METHODS:Over a 14-year period,50 patients who did not undergo surgery for resectable main-duct or mixed IPMN,for reasons of precluding comorbidities,age and/or refusal,were compared with 74 patients who underwent resection to assess differences in rates of survival,recurrence/occurrence of malignancy,and prognostic factors.All study participants had dilatation of the main pancreatic duct by ≥ 5 mm,with or without dilatation of the branch ducts.Some of the nonsurgical patients showed evidence of mucus upon perendoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography or endoscopic ultrasound and/or after fine needle aspiration.For the surgical patients,pathologic analysis of resected specimens confirmed a diagnosis of IPMN with involvement of the main pancreatic duct or of both branch ducts as well as the main pancreatic duct.Clinical and biologic follow-ups were conducted for all patients at least annually,through hospitalization or consultation every six months during the first year of follow-up,together with abdominal imaging analysis(magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography or computed tomography) and,if necessary,endoscopic ultrasound with or without fine needle aspiration.RESULTS:The overall five-year survival rate of patients who underwent resection was significantly greater than that for the nonsurgical patients(74% vs 58%; P =0.019).The parameters of age(< 70 years) and absence of a nodule were associated with better survival(P < 0.05); however,the parameters of main pancreatic duct diameter > 10 mm,branch ductdiameter > 30 mm,or presence of extra pancreatic cancers did not significantly influence the prognosis.In the nonsurgical patients,pancreatic malignancy occurred in 36% of cases within a mean time of 33 mo(median:29 mo; range:8-141 mo).Comparison of the nonsurgical patients who experienced disease progression with those who did not progress showed no significant differences in age,sex,symptoms,subtype of IPMN,or follow-up period; only the size of the main pancreatic duct was significantly different between these two sub-groups,with the nonsurgical patients who experienced progression showing a greater diameter at the time of diagnosis(> 10 mm).CONCLUSION:Patients unfit for surgery have a 36% greater risk of developing pancreatic malignancy of the main-duct or mixed IPMN within a median of 2.5 years.     

Small invasive ductal carcinoma of the pancreas distinct from branch duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm

Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) is a highly sensitive diagnostic method for the detection of small pancreatic carcinomas.Recently, there have been some reports describing the utility of contrast-enhanced harmonic EUS (CEH-EUS) which uses sonographic contrast agent for differentiation of a pancreatic mass.This report describes a case of small adenocarcinoma of the pancreas distinct from branch duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) in which investigation by EUS took place every 6 mo and diagnosis was made accurately by additional CEH-EUS during the followup of the branch duct IPMN.A 68-year-old female was admitted to our hospital because of a branch duct IPMN in the pancreatic body.She had been followedup by EUS every 6 mo.However, after 2 years EUS demonstrated a low echoic area distinct from the branch duct IPMN which was vaguely discernible by EUS, and accurate sizing and differential diagnosis were considered difficult on the EUS imaging.CHEUS with Sonazoid revealed a hypovascular tumor and we suspected small pancreatic carcinoma.The histopathological diagnosis was adenocarcinoma (10 mm) in the pancreatic tail, distinct from the branch duct IPMN of the pancreatic body.EUS and CEH-EUS may play an important role in the correct diagnosis of small pancreatic tumors, including synchronous and metachronous occurrence of IPMN and ductal adenocarcinoma of the pancreas.     

Coexisting Type 1 Autoimmune Pancreatitis and Mixed-type Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasm

An 84-year-old man was referred to our hospital for a cystic lesion of the pancreatic head, swelling of the pancreatic tail and hilar biliary stricture, resulting in elevated liver enzyme levels. We suspected branch duct-type intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) and type I autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) associated with sclerosing cholangitis because of the high serum IgG4 levels. The main pancreatic duct on the tail side of the AIP lesion was moderately dilated. Although the biliary stricture and pancreatic swelling improved after prednisolone treatment, the pancreatic enzyme levels increased rapidly. The entire main pancreatic duct exhibited remarkable dilatation, which led to the diagnosis of mixed-type IPMN. The clinical characteristics of IPMN in the main pancreatic duct appear to have been initially masked by AIP.     

内镜诊治胰腺导管内乳头状粘液性肿瘤的应用

目的探讨胰腺导管内乳头状粘液性肿瘤(IPMN)的诊断、内镜下治疗,以提高对该疾病的认识及内镜对其诊断及治疗的意义。方法回顾性分析经内镜诊治的IPMN患者12例,总结并分析他们的一般情况、临床症状、影像学检查、实验室检查、内镜下治疗等方面资料。结果 12例IPMN患者以老年男性为主,无特异性临床表现,主要发生部位为胰头或钩突部,CT主要表现为囊实性低密度影,其内可有壁结节,胰管扩张伴或不伴胆管扩张,2例侵及胰腺实质。磁共振胰胆管造影(MRCP)主要表现为胰管扩张,胰腺萎缩,胰头部圆形高信号影。内镜下逆行胰胆管造影(ERCP)显示十二指肠乳头膨大,开口扩张,可见胶冻样粘液流出,胰管造影显示胰管全程扩张或胰头部囊状扩张,3例伴胆总管、肝内胆管扩张。9例行ERCP治疗,清除粘液栓并置入胰管支架,3例同时置入胆管支架。结论 IPMN是一种特殊类型的胰腺囊性疾病,影像学检查有其独特的表现,ERCP对其诊断及治疗有重要意义。     

The distance of tumor spread in the main pancreatic duct of an intraductal papillary-mucinous neoplasm: where to resect and how to predict it

Background

The surgical decision regarding where to resect the pancreas is an important judgement that is directly linked to the surgical procedure. An appropriate surgical margin to resect intraductal papillary-mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) of the pancreas based on the distance of tumor spread (DTS) in the main pancreatic duct has not been adequately documented. We analyzed the appropriate surgical margin based on the DTS in the main pancreatic duct of IPMN and the positive rate at the pancreatic cut end margin.

Methods

Forty patients with main duct- or mixed-type IPMN diagnosed histopathologically who underwent surgery at Tokai University Hospital between 1991 and 2008 were retrospectively analyzed. The resection line was determined to achieve a 2-cm surgical margin in patients with main duct- or mixed-type IPMN and as limited a resection as possible to remove the dilated branch duct in patients with branch duct-type IPMN according to macroscopic type. The dysplastic state of the epithelium was judged as positive for carcinoma in situ (high-grade dysplasia) or adenoma (very low to moderate dysplasia) and judged as negative for hyperplasia or normal.

Results

The mean DTS in the main pancreatic duct was 41.6 ± 30.0 mm, and that of the distance of tumor absence was 13.6 ± 12.4 mm. The positive rate at the pancreatic cut end margin in frozen sections was 29.7%. The final positive rate at the pancreatic cut end margin was 26.2%. There has been no evidence of local recurrence in the remnant pancreas. DTS in the main pancreatic duct of IPMN was correlated with the maximum diameter of the duct (R = 0.678).

Conclusion

Distance of tumor spread offered important insights about the appropriate site to resect the pancreas and the positive rate at the cut end margin in IPMN.     

Management of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm of the pancreas

Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) of the pancreas is a distinct entity characterized by papillary proliferations of mucin-producing epithelial cells with excessive mucus production and cystic dilatation of the pancreatic ducts. IPMNs have malignant potential and exhibit a broad histologic spectrum, ranging from adenoma to invasive carcinoma. IPMNs are classified into main duct and branch duct types, based on the site of tumor involvement. IPMN patients have a favorable prognosis if appropriately treated. The postoperative 5-year survival rate is nearly 100% for benign tumors and noninvasive carcinoma, and approximately 60% for invasive carcinoma. A main duct type IPMN should be resected. Surgical treatment is indicated for a branch duct IPMN with suspected malignancy (tumor diameter ≥ 30 mm, mural nodules, dilated main pancreatic duct, or positive cytology) or positive symptoms. Malignant IPMNs necessitate lymph node dissection (D1). IPMNs are associated with a high incidence of extrapancreatic malignancies and pancreatic ductal carcinoma.     

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.     

Prognosis of cancer with branch duct type IPMN of the pancreas

AIM:To examine the coexistence of metachronous and synchronous cancer in branch duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms of the pancreas (IPMN).METHODS: We reviewed the records of 145 patients with branch duct IPMN between January 1991 and April 2008 and assessed the relationship between IPMN and intraor extra-pancreatic carcinoma and the outcome of IPMN.RESULTS: The mean observation period was 55.9 &#177; 45.3 mo. Among the 145 patients, the frequency of extra-pancreatic cancer was 29.0%. The frequency of ...     

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.     

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.     

Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm of the pancreas and IgG4-related disease: A coincidental association

Background/aimsCoexistence of autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) and pancreatic cancer, elevation of serum IgG4 levels in pancreatic cancer patients, and infiltration of IgG4-positive plasma cells in peritumorous pancreatitis have been described in a few reports. This study examined the relationship between intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) of the pancreas and peritumorous IgG4-positive lymphoplasmacytic infiltrates.MethodsSerum IgG4 levels were measured in 54 patients with IPMN (median 70 years, 26 males and 28 females; 13 main duct type and 41 branch duct type). Histological findings focusing on dense lymphoplasmacytic infiltration, storiform fibrosis, and obliterative phlebitis were reviewed, and immunostaining with IgG4 and IgG was performed in 23 surgically resected IPMN cases (18 main duct type and 5 branch duct type). The presence of IgG4-positive plasma cells >10/hpf and an IgG4-positive/IgG-positive plasma cell ratio >40% were considered significant.ResultsSerum IgG4 levels were elevated in 2 (4%) IPMN patients. Significant infiltration of IgG4-positive plasma cells was detected in 4 IPMN cases (17%). The IgG4-positive/IgG-positive plasma cell ratio was >40% in all 4 cases. In one case with a markedly elevated serum IgG4 level (624 mg/dL), typical lymphoplasmacytic sclerosing pancreatitis (AIP type 1) lesions surrounded the whole IPMN. In the 3 other cases, infiltration of IgG4-positive plasma cells with fibrosis was focally detected mainly in the periductal area around the IPMN.ConclusionsIn a few patients with IPMNs, IgG4-positive plasma cell infiltration can occur in the peritumorous area. The association of an IPMN with AIP type 1-like changes seems to be exceptional and coincidental.     

Size of mural nodule as an indicator of surgery for branch duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm of the pancreas during follow-up

Background

A mural nodule is a strong predictive factor for malignancy in branch duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) of the pancreas, but the nodule size has hardly been considered. The aim of this study was to investigate whether a mural nodule of 10?mm was appropriate as an indicator of surgery for IPMN during follow-up.

Methods

The follow-up outcomes of 100 patients who had branch duct IPMN without mural nodules or who had branch duct IPMN with mural nodules of less than 9?mm in a tertiary care setting were investigated retrospectively. The patients underwent abdominal ultrasound (US) every 3?months and additional imaging examinations or cytologic examination of pancreatic juice when necessary. Surgery was recommended to them when a mural nodule developed or when a nodule enlarged and reached 10?mm.

Results

During an average follow-up period of 97?months, branch duct IPMNs developed mural nodules that reached 10?mm in 5 patients (0.62% per year). In one patient the IPMN was revealed to be non-invasive carcinoma by resection, 1 IPMN was shown to be malignant by further follow-up, and 3 were not resected because of refusal or the patient??s age. In 7 patients, mural nodules stayed within 9?mm. The remaining 88 patients lacked mural nodules in their branch duct IPMNs throughout the follow-up. The occurrence of invasive carcinoma around the IPMN was not indicated by imaging examinations in any patient. Univariate analysis showed that the size of the cyst at baseline significantly predicted the development of a mural nodule that reached 10?mm during follow-up (P?=?0.05).

Conclusions

A mural nodule of 10?mm is appropriate as an indicator of surgery in the follow-up of branch duct IPMN.     

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.     

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.     

Clinical aspects of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm of the pancreas

Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) is a spectrum of neoplasia in the pancreatic duct epithelium characterized by cystic dilation of the main and/or branch pancreatic duct. According to the site of involvement IPMNs are classified into three categories, i.e., main duct type, branch duct type, and combined type. Most branch duct IPMNs are benign, whereas the other two types are often malignant. A large size of branch duct IPMN and marked dilation of the main pancreatic duct indicate the presence of adenoma at least. The additional existence of large mural nodules increases the possibility of malignancy in all types. Of recent interest is the relatively high prevalence of synchronous and/or metachronous malignancy in various organs, including the pancreas. The prognosis is favorable after complete resection of benign and noninvasive malignant IPMNs. Malignant IPMNs acquiring aggressiveness after parenchymal invasion necessitate adequate lymph node dissection. On the other hand, asymptomatic branch duct IPMNs without mural nodules can be observed without resection for a considerably long time. This review addresses available data, current understanding, controversy, and future directions.