Intrapapillary Mucinous Neoplasm Complicated by Spontaneous Pancreaticogastric Fistula

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

10-1-2024

Publication Title

Am J Gastroenterol

Abstract

Introduction: Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasms (IPMNs) consist of a range of presentations varying in malignant potential. Mainly characterized by papillary growth and significant mucin secretion, IPMNs can present with various complications including obstructive jaundice or cholangitis. Rarely, IPMN can fistulize into the adjacent organs. Here we present the case of a patient found to have benign IPMN complicated by 20mm pancreatico-gastric fistula. Case Description/Methods: An 85-year-old woman with history of heart failure presented with several week history of progressive epigastric pain accompanied by poor appetite and nausea. She remained hemodynamically stable with lab work showing unremarkable liver enzymes, blood counts, and lipase. Computed tomography abdomen pelvis showed dilated pancreatic duct with communication to the stomach. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) showed moderate intrahepatic and severe extrahepatic biliary ductal dilation with the main pancreatic duct dilated up to 20mm. A 20mm fistula between the pancreatic body duct to posterior wall of the stomach was noted. The patient underwent Esophagogastroduodenoscopy/endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) which demonstrated a 20mm fistula with copious amounts of mucin pouring out of the lesser curvature opening. The main pancreatic duct was visualized with features of main duct IPMN. Biopsy demonstrated features consistent with low-grade IPMN. Sphincterotomy and balloon extraction of choledocholithiasis was performed. A fully covered metal stent was placed into the common bile duct to maintain biliary drainage. Multidisciplinary discussion was held with the patient's family, gastroenterology team, and oncology team and decision to pursue resection was deferred in favor of symptomatic care. The patient recovered well and was discharged to follow-up for outpatient ERCP for further stent management. Discussion: IPMN resulting in fistulation into the stomach is an exceedingly rare presentation that can mimic many other pathologies of abdominal pain. Our patient's presentation with non-specific symptoms of epigastric pain, nausea, and early satiety requires a high degree of suspicion for biliary pathology. The identification of such a diagnosis requires complex decision-making involving multidisciplinary insight as well as shared decision-making regarding the potential for malignancy and surgical versus conservative management (see Figure 1).

Volume

119

Issue

10

First Page

S1836

Last Page

S1837

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