A case of lipomatous pseudohypertrophy of the pancreas diagnosed by EUS-FNA

Clin J Gastroenterol. 2012 Aug;5(4):282-6. doi: 10.1007/s12328-012-0318-1. Epub 2012 Jun 23.

Abstract

We report the case of a 56-year-old female with lipomatous hypertrophy of the pancreas. Abdominal CT and MRI showed fatty replacement over the entire pancreas. The pancreatic parenchyma was completely absent. ERCP showed no abnormal findings in the main pancreatic duct. EUS-FNA was performed to achieve a definitive diagnosis. Histological features of the FNA specimens revealed that adipose tissue generally replaced the pancreatic parenchyma, and pancreatic acini were identified with a scattered distribution. To consider the differential diagnosis of lipomatous pseudohypertrophy of the pancreas, it is necessary to distinguish it from obesity, diabetes, and age-related pancreatic fat infiltration and liposarcoma. By performing EUS-FNA, it was possible to obtain a definitive diagnosis in this patient. In conclusion, EUS-FNA may be helpful to make a definitive diagnosis in patients with lipomatous hypertrophy of the pancreas.

Keywords: Adipose tissue; EUS-FNA; Lipomatous pseudohypertrophy of the pancreas.