Intraductal papillary-mucinous tumors of the pancreas: presentation of eight cases

• Published in: Wiener Klinische Wochenschrift Vol. 113; no. 22; p. 880
• Main Authors: Wurzer, H, Brandstätter, G, Worm, H C, Wolf, G
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Austria 15.11.2001
• Subjects: Adenocarcinoma, Mucinous - diagnosis; Adenocarcinoma, Mucinous - pathology; Adult; Aged; Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal - diagnosis; Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal - pathology; Carcinoma, Papillary - diagnosis; Carcinoma, Papillary - pathology; Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde; Diagnosis, Differential; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Pancreatic Ducts - pathology; Pancreatic Neoplasms - diagnosis; Pancreatic Neoplasms - pathology; Pancreatitis - diagnosis; Retrospective Studies; Treatment Outcome
• ISSN: 0043-5325; 1613-7671

The mucinsecreting intraductal papillary-mucinous tumors of the pancreas are a rare entity with characteristic duodenoscopic and radiological features. These tumors have a broad spectrum of presentation. The diagnosis requires highly experienced and attentive endoscopists. Once diagnosed, resection of the tumor is recommended to prevent progression to malignancy. This surgical procedure has a low acceptance, mainly in the elderly patients. Therefore, a "wait and see" strategy may be necessary in those patients refusing operation. Between 1996 and 2000, intraductal papillary-mucinous tumors of the pancreas were diagnosed in eight patients (5 females, 3 males) using endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, and confirmed by brush cytology and/or histology and analyzed retrospectively. The patients showed typical endoscopic and radiological findings: dilatation and mucin extrusion of the papillary orifice, easy passage of instruments into the dilated main pancreatic duct, which showed patchy filling defects after application of contrast medium. Patients were informed about the diagnosis in detail. Two patients were inoperable. Surgery was recommended to the other six patients. Two of the six patients agreed to surgical treatment. The remaining four patients were included in a follow-up protocol. These patients were observed for up to 5 years. Only one patient showed minor progression of ERCP-findings. Intraductal papillary-mucinous tumors of the pancreas can be well characterized by means of endoscopy and radiology. Poor compliance to surgical treatment makes individual multidisciplinary management and follow-up necessary.