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Pancreatic serous cystadenoma

Case contributed by Bruno Di Muzio
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Incidental finding in the pancreas.

Patient Data

Age: 65 years
Gender: Male

CT Chest Abdomen & Pelvis

ct

CT scan showing a multiseptated low-density lesion in the pancreatic head measuring 3 cm in diameter with some central soft-tissue nodularity. There are no signs of pancreatic duct or biliary tree dilatation.

The imaged abdominal viscera are otherwise unremarkable.

No lymphadenopathy in the chest and abdomen. 

MRI Pancreas

mri

Multi septated low-density lesion in the pancreatic head seen on previous CT demonstrates high T2 signal in the multicystic component with no evidence of contrast enhancement or diffusion restriction. No wall thickening or nodularity. No connection to the pancreatic duct demonstrated.  No pancreatic or common bile duct dilatation.

No focal lesions within the liver and spleen.

ultrasound

EUS: solid-cystic lesion at the head/uncinate process of the pancreas - microcystic appearance. 

Case Discussion

The imaging features favor a pancreatic serous cystadenoma. A side branch IPMN is felt less likely given it is an isolated lesion with no communication with the pancreatic duct is seen. 

The patient was then submitted to an EUS with FNA. The appearances on the ultrasound (not available) were typical for a serous cystadenoma. FNA: 

  • CEA: <5 ng/ml
  • Ca19.9: 0.5 U/mL

Note that carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) values are low in serous cystadenomas, like in this case. CEA values are elevated in mucinous lesions. 

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