D P Toomey1, N Swan, W Torreggiani, K C Conlon. 1. Professorial Surgical Unit, University of Dublin, Trinity College, Adelaide and Meath Hospitals-National Children's Hospital, Tallaght, Dublin 24, Ireland.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Approximately 2 per cent of pancreatic masses resected for suspected malignancy are found instead to be a form of chronic pancreatitis defined by a characteristic lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate. This condition is now commonly classified as 'autoimmune pancreatitis'. METHODS: A literature review of autoimmune pancreatitis was performed using Medline and PubMed. The reference lists of identified articles were searched for further relevant publications. RESULTS: Patients are predominantly 55-65 years old and present with obstructive jaundice, abdominal pain and weight loss. Imaging may show a mass of malignant appearance or pancreatobiliary tree strictures precipitating surgical exploration. Raised serum levels of IgG4 and specific autoantibodies, when combined with particular radiological features and a biopsy negative for malignancy, enable a preoperative diagnosis and successful treatment with steroids. CONCLUSION: Autoimmune pancreatitis is not uncommon and steroid treatment can effect a dramatic improvement. Care is needed to ensure that pancreatic cancer is not misdiagnosed. Copyright (c) 2007 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
BACKGROUND: Approximately 2 per cent of pancreatic masses resected for suspected malignancy are found instead to be a form of chronic pancreatitis defined by a characteristic lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate. This condition is now commonly classified as 'autoimmune pancreatitis'. METHODS: A literature review of autoimmune pancreatitis was performed using Medline and PubMed. The reference lists of identified articles were searched for further relevant publications. RESULTS:Patients are predominantly 55-65 years old and present with obstructive jaundice, abdominal pain and weight loss. Imaging may show a mass of malignant appearance or pancreatobiliary tree strictures precipitating surgical exploration. Raised serum levels of IgG4 and specific autoantibodies, when combined with particular radiological features and a biopsy negative for malignancy, enable a preoperative diagnosis and successful treatment with steroids. CONCLUSION:Autoimmune pancreatitis is not uncommon and steroid treatment can effect a dramatic improvement. Care is needed to ensure that pancreatic cancer is not misdiagnosed. Copyright (c) 2007 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.