Possible congenital dilatation of the pancreatic duct

BMJ Case Rep. 2017 Sep 28:2017:bcr2017221191. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2017-221191.

Abstract

The main pancreatic duct can become dilated in a number of conditions. We describe a patient with gross dilatation of the main pancreatic duct without evidence of causative underlying pathology suggesting congenital dilatation of the pancreatic duct. A 36-year-old man presented with signs of intestinal obstruction and a history of surgery for congenital pyloric stenosis. Incidental findings on CT showed a massively dilated main pancreatic duct. On MRI there was no duct irregularity or solid mural nodule, making a main duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm unlikely. Endoscopic ultrasound findings were in keeping with those on MRI. Fine needle aspiration revealed a non-viscous fluid with a low carcinoembryonic antigen and high amylase concentration, consistent with normal pancreatic fluid levels rather than a mucinous collection. After 1 year, the cyst remains unchanged. This patient will be kept under surveillance with yearly MRI.

Keywords: general surgery; pancreas and biliary tract; pancreatitis; surgery.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Dilatation, Pathologic / congenital
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Pancreatic Cyst / congenital*
  • Pancreatic Cyst / diagnostic imaging
  • Pancreatic Cyst / pathology
  • Pancreatic Ducts / diagnostic imaging
  • Pancreatic Ducts / pathology*
  • Watchful Waiting