Sudden disappearance of the blood flow in a case of pancreatic acinar cell carcinoma

Intern Med. 2014;53(22):2589-93. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.53.2859. Epub 2014 Nov 15.

Abstract

A 55-year-old man was referred to our hospital for a further examination of a pancreatic cystic tumor with a solid component exhibiting vascularity. A few days later, the patient was admitted with a complaint of sudden severe epigastric pain. Enhanced CT showed the loss of vascularity in the tumor. In particular, contrast-enhanced endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) clearly demonstrated the disappearance of the blood flow, and a histological examination revealed acinar cell carcinoma with central necrosis. To our knowledge, this is the first case in the literature of acinar cell carcinoma associated with the sudden disappearance of vascularity. In this case, contrast-enhanced harmonic EUS was especially useful for assessing the degree of vascularity.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Carcinoma, Acinar Cell / blood supply*
  • Carcinoma, Acinar Cell / diagnostic imaging
  • Contrast Media
  • Endosonography
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Pancreas / diagnostic imaging
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / blood supply*
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging

Substances

  • Contrast Media