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Cureus May 2024Pancreatic cancer remains one of the deadliest cancers in the United States. Some types of pancreatic cysts, which are being detected more frequently and often...
INTRODUCTION
Pancreatic cancer remains one of the deadliest cancers in the United States. Some types of pancreatic cysts, which are being detected more frequently and often incidentally on imaging, have the potential to develop into pancreatic cancer and thus provide a valuable window of opportunity for cancer interception. Although racial disparity in pancreatic cancer has been described, little is known regarding health disparities in pancreatic cancer prevention. In the present study, we investigate potential health disparities along the continuum of care for pancreatic cancer.
METHODS
The racial and ethnic composition of pancreatic patients at high-volume centers in Indiana were evaluated, representing patients undergoing surgery for pancreatic cancer (n=390), participating in biobanking (972 pancreatic cancer patients and 1984 patients with pancreatic disease), or being monitored for pancreatic cysts at an early detection center (n=1514). To assess racial disparities and potential differences in decision-making related to pancreatic cancer prevention and early detection, an exploratory online survey was administered through a volunteer registry (n=708). Results: We show that despite comprising close to 10% or 30% of the Indiana or Indianapolis population, respectively, African Americans make up only about 4-5% of our study cohorts consisting of patients undergoing pancreatic surgery or participating in biobanking and early detection. Analysis of online survey results revealed that given the hypothetical situation of being diagnosed with a pancreatic cyst or pancreatic cancer, the vast majority of respondents (>90%) would agree to undergo surveillance or surgery, respectively, regardless of race. Only a minority (3-12%) acknowledged any significant transportation, financial, or emotional barriers that would impact a decision to undergo surveillance or surgery. This suggests that the observed racial disparities may be due in part to the existence of other barriers that lie upstream of this decision point.
CONCLUSION
Racial disparities exist not only for pancreatic cancer but also at earlier points along the continuum of care such as prevention and early detection. To our knowledge, this is the first study to document racial disparity in the management of patients with pancreatic cysts who are at risk of developing pancreatic cancer. Our results suggest that improving access to information and care for such at-risk individuals may lead to more equitable outcomes.
PubMed: 38872680
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.60240 -
BJR Case Reports May 2024Despite advances in diagnostic imaging and interventional techniques, pancreatic pseudoaneurysms remain a life-threatening complication of pancreatitis. Presentation...
Despite advances in diagnostic imaging and interventional techniques, pancreatic pseudoaneurysms remain a life-threatening complication of pancreatitis. Presentation varies among patients and may include intra-abdominal, retroperitoneal, or gastrointestinal bleeding and bleeding into the pancreatic or common bile duct. We present a unique case of a 74-year-old man with a history of heavy alcohol consumption who presented with a haematoma surrounding the caudate lobe of the liver. Initially, alcoholic cirrhosis and a ruptured hepatocellular carcinoma were suspected. Therefore, transarterial embolization (TAE) of the caudate branch of the hepatic artery was performed. However, 3 months later, the patient experienced abdominal pain with a lesser sac haematoma and a seemingly interconnected pancreatic cyst. One month later, a pseudoaneurysm appeared in the pancreatic cyst. TAE was successfully performed for the pseudoaneurysm, and the patient showed no signs of recurrence during the 1-year follow-up.
PubMed: 38863810
DOI: 10.1093/bjrcr/uaae018 -
Gastroenterology Report 2024Horizontal duodenal papilla (HDP) is not an uncommon ectopic major papilla. The impact of HDP on the occurrence of pancreaticobiliary diseases remains unclear. Here, we...
BACKGROUND
Horizontal duodenal papilla (HDP) is not an uncommon ectopic major papilla. The impact of HDP on the occurrence of pancreaticobiliary diseases remains unclear. Here, we explored the associations in patients who underwent magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP).
METHODS
Consecutive patients who underwent MRCP at Xijing Hospital (Xi'an, China) between January 2020 and December 2021 were eligible. Patients were divided into HDP and regular papilla (RP) according to the position of the major papilla. The primary outcome was the proportion of congenital pancreaticobiliary diseases.
RESULTS
A total of 2,194 patients were included, of whom 72 (3.3%) had HDP. Compared with the RP group (=2,122), the HDP group had a higher proportion of congenital pancreaticobiliary diseases, especially choledochal cyst (CC) or anomalous pancreaticobiliary junction (APBJ) (6.9% vs 1.4%, =0.001). More gallbladder cancer (6.9% vs 1.2%, <0.001) and pancreatic cysts (27.8% vs 16.3%, =0.01) were also identified in the HDP group. Morphologically, the HDP group had a longer extrahepatic bile duct (8.4 [7.6-9.3] cm vs 7.2 [6.5-8.1] cm, <0.001), and larger angles between the common bile duct-duodenum and pancreatic duct-duodenum. Multivariate analysis showed that the presence of HDP was an independent risk factor for gallbladder cancer.
CONCLUSIONS
This study confirmed that HDP was not rare in patients underwent MRCP. A higher prevalence of congenital pancreaticobiliary malformations (especially CC or APBJ), gallbladder cancer and pancreatic cysts was observed in patients with HDP, as well as distinctive morphologic features.
PubMed: 38863808
DOI: 10.1093/gastro/goae059 -
Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice May 2024Imaging is vital for assessing pancreaticobiliary diseases.
BACKGROUND
Imaging is vital for assessing pancreaticobiliary diseases.
AIM
The aim of the study was to investigate the spectrum and pattern of pancreaticobiliary diseases in adult Nigerians using magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP).
METHODS
This was a retrospective, descriptive cross-sectional study. The electronic radiological records of 110 adult Nigerians who had undergone MRCP were reviewed. The MRCP images were evaluated for bile duct dilatation, intraluminal filling defects, strictures, calculi, and other abnormalities.
RESULTS
There were 45 males (40.9%) and 65 females (59.1%) aged 18-83 years, with a mean age of 51.93 ± 15.22 years. Jaundice (59.1%) and right hypochondrial pain (31.8%) were the most common presenting complaints. Gallstones (32.7%), common bile duct strictures (15.5%), choledocholithiasis (11.8%), pancreatic head carcinoma (10.9%), and gallbladder carcinoma (2.7%) were the most frequent abnormalities. There was biliary obstruction in 56.4% of participants, mostly at the distal and proximal common bile duct. Other findings include hepatomegaly (23.6%), hepatic cysts (6.4%), hepatic steatosis (0.9%), duodenal wall thickening (1.8%), and ascites (5.5%). MRCP was normal in 25 (22.7%) participants.
CONCLUSION
Gallstones were the predominant pathology of the various pancreaticobiliary diseases, while Pancreatic head and gallbladder carcinoma were the most common malignant diseases.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Middle Aged; Adult; Aged; Cross-Sectional Studies; Retrospective Studies; Cholangiopancreatography, Magnetic Resonance; Nigeria; Aged, 80 and over; Adolescent; Young Adult; Pancreatic Diseases; Biliary Tract Diseases; West African People
PubMed: 38842708
DOI: 10.4103/njcp.njcp_619_23 -
Journal of Surgical Case Reports Jun 2024Pancreatic pseudocysts are surrounded by a non-epithelialized wall confined to the pancreas and localized to the pancreatic tissue or adjacent pancreatic cavity. In...
Pancreatic pseudocysts are surrounded by a non-epithelialized wall confined to the pancreas and localized to the pancreatic tissue or adjacent pancreatic cavity. In contrast, pancreatic cystic tumors occur less frequently than solid lesions and are often detected incidentally on imaging. Regarding the qualitative diagnosis of pancreatic pseudocysts, it is important to differentiate them from neoplastic cysts. We report the case of a 74-year-old woman with a giant hemorrhagic pancreatic pseudocyst and a suspected cystic pancreatic tumor, wherein distal pancreatectomy and splenectomy with lymph node dissection were performed. The patient was discharged 11 days postsurgery, with a good postoperative course. There are no reports of giant pancreatic pseudocysts larger than 10 cm with hematoma contents. The presumptive diagnosis of pseudocysts based on imaging alone may be difficult. Surgical resection is considered when it is difficult to distinguish a giant pancreatic pseudocyst from a cystic neoplasm.
PubMed: 38832062
DOI: 10.1093/jscr/rjae393 -
Cureus May 2024Pancreatitis, panniculitis, and polyarthritis (PPP) syndrome presents a unique challenge in diagnosis and management because of its rarity and heterogeneous initial...
Pancreatitis, panniculitis, and polyarthritis (PPP) syndrome presents a unique challenge in diagnosis and management because of its rarity and heterogeneous initial presentation. This manuscript presents a case series of two patients with PPP syndrome, shedding light on the diagnostic process and care for this uncommon condition. PPP syndrome is characterized by the simultaneous occurrence of pancreatitis or pseudocysts alongside polyarthritis and panniculitis. While its exact pathophysiology remains obscure, pancreatic inflammation is assumed to trigger the hematogenous dissemination of pancreatic enzymes, leading to fat necrosis and subsequent panniculitis, as well as chondronecrosis and/or osteonecrosis causing polyarthritis. Despite its recognition in medical literature since the late 1980s, PPP syndrome remains poorly understood, with only a limited number of cases reported globally. Its rarity and varied initial manifestations often result in misdiagnosis, causing delays in appropriate treatment. The presented case series highlights key clinical features and diagnostic clues of PPP syndrome. Both patients exhibited initial symptoms of inflammatory polyarthritis, accompanied by characteristic findings of "ghost cells" on skin biopsy. Additionally, radiographic and laboratory evidence revealed pancreatic changes consistent with this syndrome. This case series underscores the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration in managing PPP syndrome. Early recognition and accurate diagnosis are pivotal in initiating prompt and effective therapeutic interventions, thereby improving patient outcomes and minimizing long-term sequelae.
PubMed: 38826929
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.59471 -
World Journal of Clinical Cases May 2024Bronchogenic cysts are rare developmental anomalies that belong to the category of congenital enterogenous cysts. They arise from lung buds and are present at birth. The...
BACKGROUND
Bronchogenic cysts are rare developmental anomalies that belong to the category of congenital enterogenous cysts. They arise from lung buds and are present at birth. The embryonic foregut is their origin. Typically, they are located within the chest cavity, particularly in the cavum mediastinale of the thoracic cavity or lodged in the pulmonary parenchyma, and are considered a type of lung bud malformation.
CASE SUMMARY
A 49-year-old male patient was admitted to the hospital due to the detection of a retroperitoneal mass during a physical examination. Two weeks before admission, the patient underwent a physical examination and routine laboratory tests, which revealed a space-occupying mass in the retroperitoneal region. The patient did not report any symptoms (such as abdominal pain, flatulence, nausea, vomiting, high fever, or chills). The computed tomography (CT) revealed a retroperitoneal space-occupying lesion with minimal enhancement and a CT value of approximately 36 Hounsfield units. The lesion was not delineated from the boundary of the pancreatic body and was closely related to the retroperitoneum locally.
CONCLUSION
Following a series of tests, an abdominal mass was identified, prompting the implementation of a laparoscopic retroperitoneal mass excision procedure. During the investigation, an 8 cm × 7 cm cystic round-shaped mass with a distinct demarcation was identified in the upper posterior region of the pancreas. Subsequently, full resection of the mass was performed. Postoperative pathological examination reveled a cystic mass characterized by a smooth inner wall. The cystic mass was found to contain a white, viscous liquid within its capsule.
PubMed: 38817216
DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v12.i15.2586 -
World Journal of Gastroenterology May 2024The article by Ker explores the treatment of peripancreatic fluid collection (PFC). The use of percutaneous drainage, endoscopy, and surgery for managing PFC are...
The article by Ker explores the treatment of peripancreatic fluid collection (PFC). The use of percutaneous drainage, endoscopy, and surgery for managing PFC are discussed. Percutaneous drainage is noted for its low risk profile, while endoscopic cystogastrostomy is more effective due to the wider orifice of the metallic stent. Surgical cystogastrostomy is a definitive treatment with a reduced need for reintervention, especially for cases with extensive collections and significant necrosis. The choice of treatment modality should be tailored to individual patient characteristics and disease factors, considering the expertise available.
Topics: Humans; Drainage; Treatment Outcome; Stents; Gastrostomy; Pancreatic Pseudocyst
PubMed: 38813046
DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v30.i17.2298 -
Korean Journal of Radiology Jun 2024Incidental pancreatic cystic lesions are a common challenge encountered by diagnostic radiologists. Specifically, given the prevalence of benign pancreatic cystic... (Review)
Review
Incidental pancreatic cystic lesions are a common challenge encountered by diagnostic radiologists. Specifically, given the prevalence of benign pancreatic cystic lesions, determining when to recommend aggressive actions such as surgical resection or endoscopic ultrasound with sampling is difficult. In this article, we review the common types of cystic pancreatic lesions including serous cystadenoma, intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm, and mucinous cystic neoplasm with imaging examples of each. We also discuss high-risk or worrisome imaging features that warrant a referral to a surgeon or endoscopist and provid several examples of these features. These imaging features adhere to the latest guidelines from the International Consensus Guidelines, American Gastroenterological Association (2015), American College of Gastroenterology (2018), American College of Radiology (2010, 2017), and European Guidelines (2013, 2018). Our focused article addresses the imaging dilemma of managing incidental cystic pancreatic lesions, weighing the options between imaging follow-up and aggressive interventions.
Topics: Humans; Pancreatic Cyst; Incidental Findings; Pancreatic Neoplasms; Diagnosis, Differential; Pancreas; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
PubMed: 38807337
DOI: 10.3348/kjr.2024.0085 -
BMC Medical Genomics May 2024Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a rare, autosomal dominant genetic disease that arises from TSC1 or TSC2 genetic mutations. These genetic mutations can induce the... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a rare, autosomal dominant genetic disease that arises from TSC1 or TSC2 genetic mutations. These genetic mutations can induce the development of benign tumors in any organ system with significant clinical implications in morbidity and mortality. In rare instances, patients with TSC can have malignant tumors, including renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (PNET). It is considered a hereditary renal cancer syndrome despite the low incidence of RCC in TSC patients. TSC is typically diagnosed in prenatal and pediatric patients and frequently associated with neurocognitive disorders and seizures, which are often experienced early in life. However, penetrance and expressivity of TSC mutations are highly variable. Herein, we present a case report, with associated literature, to highlight that there exist undiagnosed adult patients with less penetrant features, whose clinical presentation may contain non-classical signs and symptoms, who have pathogenic TSC mutations.
CASE PRESENTATION
A 31-year-old female with past medical history of leiomyomas status post myomectomy presented to the emergency department for a hemorrhagic adnexal cyst. Imaging incidentally identified a renal mass suspicious for RCC. Out of concern for hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell carcinoma (HLRCC) syndrome, the mass was surgically removed and confirmed as RCC. Discussion with medical genetics ascertained a family history of kidney cancer and nephrectomy procedures and a patient history of ungual fibromas on the toes. Genetic testing for hereditary kidney cancer revealed a 5'UTR deletion in the TSC1 gene, leading to a diagnosis of TSC. Following the diagnosis, dermatology found benign skin findings consistent with TSC. About six months after the incidental finding of RCC, a PNET in the pancreatic body/tail was incidentally found on chest CT imaging, which was removed and determined to be a well-differentiated PNET. Later, a brain MRI revealed two small cortical tubers, one in each frontal lobe, that were asymptomatic; the patient's history and family history did not contain seizures or learning delays. The patient presently shows no evidence of recurrence or metastatic disease, and no additional malignant tumors have been identified.
CONCLUSIONS
To our knowledge, this is the first report in the literature of a TSC patient without a history of neurocognitive disorders with RCC and PNET, both independently rare occurrences in TSC. The patient had a strong family history of renal disease, including RCC, and had several other clinical manifestations of TSC, including skin and brain findings. The incidental finding and surgical removal of RCC prompted the genetic evaluation and diagnosis of TSC, leading to a comparably late diagnosis for this patient. Reporting the broad spectrum of disease for TSC, including more malignant phenotypes such as the one seen in our patient, can help healthcare providers better identify patients who need genetic evaluation and additional medical care.
Topics: Humans; Tuberous Sclerosis; Female; Adult; Kidney Neoplasms; Carcinoma, Renal Cell; Tuberous Sclerosis Complex 2 Protein; Tuberous Sclerosis Complex 1 Protein; Mutation
PubMed: 38802873
DOI: 10.1186/s12920-024-01913-8