Epithelial cyst arising in an intrapancreatic accessory spleen: a diagnostic dilemma

Intern Med. 2011;50(18):1947-52. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.50.5340. Epub 2011 Sep 15.

Abstract

An epithelial cyst in an intrapancreatic accessory spleen (ECIAS) is a rare disease that is commonly misdiagnosed preoperatively. To identify the clinical and imaging features of ECIAS, we reviewed the relevant medical literature. Twenty-one cases of ECIAS were identified, including our own. The cases were mainly diagnosed as mucinous cystic neoplasm (MCN) preoperatively based on clinical and imaging features, such as, a woman in middle age; elevation of serum CA19-9 levels; location in the tail of the pancreas; and a solid component resembling a mural nodule. ECIAS is another lesion to be considered in the differential diagnosis of MCN.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • CA-19-9 Antigen / blood
  • Cysts / blood
  • Cysts / diagnostic imaging*
  • Cysts / surgery
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasms, Cystic, Mucinous, and Serous / diagnosis
  • Pancreatectomy
  • Pancreatic Diseases / blood
  • Pancreatic Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
  • Pancreatic Diseases / surgery
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Spleen / abnormalities*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • CA-19-9 Antigen