Autoimmune pancreatitis mimicking Klatskin tumour on radiology

BMJ Case Rep. 2015 Apr 9:2015:bcr2014206749. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2014-206749.

Abstract

Autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) is categorised into two distinct types, AIP type 1 and 2. Although there can be multisystem involvement, rarely, the cholangitis associated with AIP can present radiologically in a manner similar to that of Klatskin tumour. We present the case of a 65-year-old man who was almost misdiagnosed with a Klatskin tumour because of the similarity in radiological features of the two aforementioned clinical entities. The patient presented with a history of jaundice, pruritus and abdominal pain, and work up showed deranged liver function tests, elevated cancer antigen 19-9 levels and positive antinuclear antibodies. CT scan of the abdomen showed findings suggestive of Klatskin tumour but due to diffuse enlargement of the pancreas and surrounding low-attenuation halo found on a closer review, a diagnosis of AIP was performed. The patient was started on standard corticosteroid therapy and responded well, with complete resolution of the radiological findings.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Abdominal Pain / diagnosis
  • Aged
  • Antibodies, Antinuclear / immunology
  • Autoimmune Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Autoimmune Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Autoimmune Diseases / immunology
  • Autoimmune Diseases / pathology
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Jaundice / diagnosis
  • Klatskin Tumor / diagnosis*
  • Klatskin Tumor / diagnostic imaging
  • Klatskin Tumor / pathology
  • Male
  • Pancreatitis / diagnosis*
  • Pancreatitis / diagnostic imaging
  • Pancreatitis / immunology
  • Pancreatitis / pathology
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Substances

  • Antibodies, Antinuclear