Epidermoid cyst in an intrapancreatic accessory spleen in the pancreas head: a case report

• Published in: BMC gastroenterology Vol. 20; no. 1; p. 392
• Main Authors: Ko, Hyo Jung, Shim, Jae Ryong, Lee, Tae Beom, Choi, Byung Hyun, Lee, Jung-Hee, Ryu, Je Ho, Yang, Kwangho
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England BioMed Central Ltd 20.11.2020; BioMed Central; BMC
• Subjects: Abdomen; Aged; Biopsy; Blood; Case Report; Case studies; Cysts; Diagnosis, Differential; Differential diagnosis; Distension; Endoscopy; Epidermal Cyst - diagnostic imaging; Epidermal Cyst - surgery; Epidermoid cyst in an intrapancreatic accessory spleen; Gastroenterology; Humans; Magnetic resonance imaging; Male; Pancreas; Pancreas - diagnostic imaging; Pancreatic cancer; Pancreatic cystic tumor; Pancreatic Diseases - diagnostic imaging; Pancreatic Diseases - surgery; Pancreatic tumors; Patients; Spleen; Splenic Diseases; Surgery; Tumors; Ultrasonic imaging; South Korea; Epidermoid cyst in an intrapancreatic accessory spleen; Pancreatic cystic tumor; Case report
• ISSN: 1471-230X; 1471-230X
• DOI: 10.1186/s12876-020-01540-4

An epidermoid cyst in an intrapancreatic accessory spleen (ECIPAS) in the pancreas head is an extremely rare condition. The natural course of this condition is not well known, and it is difficult to diagnose before surgery due to the lack of specific imaging findings. A tumor was found in the head of the pancreas in a 68-year-old man with abdominal distension and discomfort. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) suggested a malignant tumor, such as a colloid cancer. The tumor was removed surgically, with pathologic examination showing that it was an ECIPAS. ECIPAS cannot be easily distinguished from other pancreatic cystic tumors, making it necessary to include ECIPAS in the differential diagnosis of these tumors. Unnecessary surgical resection may be avoided by more accurate preoperative diagnosis based on clinical and imaging characteristics.