Autoimmune pancreatitis: a mimic of pancreatic cancer

Cleve Clin J Med. 2009 Oct;76(10):607-15. doi: 10.3949/ccjm.76a.09039.

Abstract

Autoimmune pancreatitis is an idiopathic inflammatory disease that produces pancreatic masses and ductal strictures. This benign disease resembles pancreatic carcinoma both clinically and radiographically. The diagnosis of autoimmune pancreatitis is challenging to make. However, accurate and timely diagnosis may preempt the misdiagnosis of cancer and decrease the number of unnecessary pancreatic resections.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Autoimmune Diseases / complications
  • Autoimmune Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Autoimmune Diseases / pathology
  • Biopsy
  • Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde
  • Endosonography
  • Humans
  • Jaundice / etiology
  • Male
  • Pancreas / pathology
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Pancreatitis / complications
  • Pancreatitis / diagnosis*
  • Pancreatitis / immunology*
  • Pancreatitis / pathology
  • Weight Loss