Differentiation of Mass-Forming Autoimmune Pancreatitis from Pancreatic Cancer Using A 2-Week Steroid Trial.
- Author:
Jeongseok KIM
1
;
Jin Yong KIM
;
Dong Uk KANG
;
Hocheol KIM
;
Min Young MOON
;
Sunghyun WON
;
Myung Hwan KIM
Author Information
1. Department of Internal Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. mhkim@amc.seoul.kr
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords:
Autoimmune;
Pancreatitis;
Pancreatic cancer;
Steroid;
Mass
- MeSH:
Aged;
Biopsy;
Dilatation;
Humans;
Inflammation;
Male;
Pancreatic Neoplasms*;
Pancreatitis*;
Steroids;
Unnecessary Procedures
- From:Korean Journal of Medicine
2013;85(6):609-613
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
The differentiation of mass-forming autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) from pancreatic cancer is critical because AIP can be successfully treated with steroid therapy and unnecessary surgery avoided. We herein report a case of 69-year-old male with a prior history of recurrent AIP who developed a pancreatic body mass with upstream duct dilatation. Laboratory findings were nonspecific for AIP or pancreatic cancer, although an endoscopic ultrasonography-guided biopsy revealed chronic inflammation. To differentiate mass-forming AIP from pancreatic cancer, we administered oral steroids for 2 weeks. After steroid therapy, a computed tomography scan revealed a decrease in the pancreatic mass size and improvement in dilatation of the upstream duct. So we could differentiate mass-forming AIP from pancreatic cancer; thereafter resolution of pancreatic lesion could be achieved with further steroid therapy. In conclusion, a 2-week steroid trial followed by radiologic imaging was helpful to differentiate mass-forming AIP from pancreatic cancer.
