Intraductal papillary-mucinous tumor of the pancreas: presentation in a young adult

Intraductal papillary-mucinous tumor (IPMT) of the pancreas is a premalignant lesion that can result in the hypersecretion of mucous and subsequent pancreatitis. In this report, one of the youngest cases of IPMT is described. Initial pancreaticogram was normal. Pathognomonic changes of the pancreatic duct were found only years later; otherwise, the recurrent pancreatitis seen in this patient might have been repeatedly misdiagnosed as idiopathic. Pre- and perioperative evaluation resulted in pancreaticoduodenectomy for what was felt to be a curative resection. However, the patient suffered an aggressive metastatic course. More extensive surgery may be needed in IPMT, such as total pancreatectomy, especially in cases of diffuse ductal dilation of the pancreas.