An unusual clinical presentation of pancreatic carcinoma: Duodenal obstruction in the absence of jaundice.

A case of pancreatic carcinoma, presenting with the uncommon initial manifestation of vomiting secondary to duodenal obstruction without jaundice, is reported. A review of 72 consecutive biopsy-proven cases of pancreatic carcinoma admitted to our institution in the past five years revealed an 8.3% incidence of this unusual primary complaint. Although infrequently reported previously, pancreatic carcinoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of gastric outlet obstruction in the absence of jaundice. The classic triad of progressive jaundice, weight loss and abdominal pain suggests carcinoma of the head of the pancreas. Emesis, secondary to high grade duodenal obstruction in the absence of jaundice, is an infrequent clinical presentation. The case described is illustrative of widespread pancreatic carcinoma that remained silent until obstruction developed.