Solid lesions of pancreas a diagnostic dilemma: Utility of histopathology


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Article type :

Original Article

Author :

Kalaranjini K V, Limi Mohandas, Sheela Vasudevan

Volume :

7

Issue :

1

Abstract :

Introduction: Pancreatic pseudotumor: solid non neoplastic lesions of pancreas can often mimic pancreatic cancer clinically and radiologically. Despite major evolution and development in radiology accurate diagnosis of pancreatic lesion are often difficult. The purpose of the study was to assess the diagnostic accuracy of USG in pancreatic lesion and study various solid lesions of pancreas in our tertiary care center. Materials and Methods: A descriptive study done on all resections (PPPD and Frey excision) of pancreas for a period 18 months. A total of 30 cases were included with adequate clinical and radiological features. Formalin fixed paraffin embedded sections were studied and analysed for USG findings, signs and symptoms, associated co morbidities and histological factors. Results: Females were more affected than males (1.7:1). Solid lesions presented in individuals as young as 21years to older individuals of 71yrs. The solid lesions included inflammatory lesions (such as acute and chronic pancreatitis) and neoplastic lesions. Most common clinical presentation was jaundice and vague abdominal pain accounting for 67.8 percent of study population. The histomorphological spectrum of solid lesions included 14 cases of inflammatory lesions and 16 cases of neoplastic lesion (Table 1). Among the 16 cases neoplastic lesion 5 cases had coexisting tropical pancreatitis. USG examination showed a sensitivity of 53.85%, specificity of 38.46%, positive predictive value of 46.67% and negative predictive value of 45.45% and accuracy of 46.15% for USG examination. Histomorphological features of pancreatitis were studied and most common finding was calcification (100%) present as both microscopic concretions or macroscopic calculi, followed by fatty changes (77%) and fibrosis (72%). Conclusion: Solid lesions of pancreas still pose diagnostic difficulty for clinician. USG has poor predictive value for non-neoplastic lesions. Histopathological examination remains the gold standard for diagnosis. However, emphasis for minimally invasive techniques such as FNAC must be given.

Keyword :

 Solid lesion, Pseudotumors, Chronic pancreatitis, Tropical pancreatitis, USG.