Solid pseudopapillary tumors of the pancreas: review of 718 patients reported in English literature

MRI features of solid pseudopapillary neoplasm of the pancreas

PURPOSE

To evaluate the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of solid pseudopapillary neoplasm (SPN) of the pancreas.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

From January 2006 to December 2013, 41 patients with SPN of the pancreas were retrospectively evaluated. Inclusion criteria were the execution of an MR examination and tumor resection with an histopathological evaluation at our Institute. Exclusion criteria were the execution of an MR examination at other centers (14/41) and the execution of CT or ultrasonography (10/41) at our Institute. The qualitative analysis evaluated: location (head/body-tail), shape (round/oval/lobulated), margins (regular/irregular), and signal intensity on T1- and T2-weighted images compared to the surrounding pancreas (hypo-, iso-, or hyperintense and homogeneous or heterogeneous), appearance of MPD and the secondary ducts, and the presence of metastases and/or vascular involvement. The quantitative analysis included: maximum size of the lesion, wall thickness, and maximum diameter of the main pancreatic duct (MPD).

RESULTS

The population comprised 17 women (median age: 31 year) with a median tumor size of 50.6 mm, a median wall thickness of 2 mm and median diameter of the MPD of 1.8 mm. 9/17 were at the head; 8/17 on the body/tail: respectively, 8/17 round, 6/17 oval, and 3/17 lobulated. All showed regular margins. On T1-weighted images 8/17 appeared homogeneously hypointense, 7/17 heterogeneously hypointense, and 2/17 heterogeneously hyperintense. On T2-weighted images 1/17 appeared homogeneously hyperintense and 16/17 heterogeneously hyperintense. No secondary ducts dilatations were detected. During the follow-up, one patient presented disease recurrence 48 months after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

MR imaging features can be highly suggestive for the diagnosis of SPN.

Solid cystic pseudopapillary tumor of pancreas with splenic metastasis: Case report and review of literature

INTRODUCTION

Solid-cystic pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas is rare and most commonly seen in young women. We present a young women with solid-cystic pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas and discuss the literature.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

Thirty nine years old female patient with a mass about 12cm in the pancreas with splenic invasion seen in our clinic. After having CT and PET-CT view, patient underwent surgery. Distal pancreatectomy with mass excision and splenectomy was performed. Microscopic examination result was solid cystic pseudopapillary tumor with spleen invasion.

DISCUSSION

Solid-cystic pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas has cystic solid pseudopapillary structures. Prognosis of tumor is better than other pancreatic tumor. Complete resection of tumor with splenic inclusion is surgical treatment.

CONCLUSION

In case of large slow growing pancreatic tumor with splenic metastasis, solid-cystic pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas should be considered in the diagnosis. Complete surgical resection is associated with long-term survival even in the presence of metastatic disease. Close follow-up is necessary after surgery.

Central Pancreatectomy as a Good Solution in Frantz Tumor Resection: A Case Report

Solid pseudopapillary tumors of the pancreas located in the head or body are a challenging clinical problem because they usually demand extensive surgical procedures, and in most reported cases pancreaticoduodenectomy is the operation of choice in such a location. An alternative method of surgery in precisely selected patients is a procedure known as central pancreatectomy. The authors present the case of a 13-year-old girl with a 5 cm tumor located in the body of the pancreas. The favorable anatomical location of the tumor suggested central pancreatic resection. The tumor was excised with 1 cm oncologic margins from both sides, and the distal remnant of the pancreas was protected with a Roux-en-Y loop. In the postoperative period the patient required reoperation because of intensive bleeding in the resection site but the duodenal loop was saved and the patient protected from biliary tract reconstruction and exocrine and endocrine insufficiency. Progress in pancreatic surgery, especially in children, allows less radical options for the reason that preservation of endocrine and exocrine function is very important and protects them, especially from insulin-dependent diabetes in the future.

Retrospective analysis of short term outcomes after spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy for sodid pseudopapillary tumours

Solid pseudopapillary pancreatic tumour (SPN) is a rare pancreatic tumour representing 0.1%-3% of all exocrine pancreatic tumours. Most SPN show benign and low-grade malignant behaviour; malignant degeneration is observed in 10-15% of the patients. More than 40% of SPN involve the tail of the pancreas leading to a minimal invasive distal pancreatectomy approach. In this report we present the case of a young 22 Caucasian woman suffering from SPN who successfully underwent laparoscopic spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy. Postoperative course was uneventful. A CT scan control at six months was negative for recurrences. We have also made an analysis of all the laparoscopic treatment of SPN reported in English literature.

Comparison of abdominal ultrasonographic findings with endoscopic ultrasonographic findings of solid pseudopapillary neoplasms of the pancreas

To compare abdominal ultrasonographic (AU) findings with endoscopic ultrasonographic (EUS) findings of solid pseudopapillary neoplasm (SPN) of the pancreas, 13 patients (male-to-female ratio, 3:10; mean age, 36 years) with surgically proven SPN who underwent both preoperative AU and EUS were included in the study. Ultrasonographic findings of the 2 modalities were compared according to internal echogenicity, calcification, demarcation, internal septum, and main pancreatic duct dilatation. Nine cases showed hypoechogenicity on both AU and EUS. The remaining 4 cases showed different echogenicity on both modalities as follows: hypoechogenicity (n = 2) and isoechogenicity (n = 2) on AU; and hyperechogenicity (n = 1), poor visualization of internal architecture due to dense rim calcification (n = 2), and isoechogenicity (n = 1) on EUS. In 2 cases with dense rim calcification, evaluation of the internal contents was more difficult on EUS compared with AU. In addition, central punctate calcifications of 2 cases were well visualized on both AU and EUS, but the 1 case of peripheral calcification was only seen on EUS. All cases showed good demarcation without main pancreatic ductal dilatation or internal septa. Endoscopic ultrasonography was superior to AU for the evaluation of internal echogenicity of pancreatic SPN; however, AU was superior at evaluating larger tumors and tumors with dense rim calcification.

Differential diagnosis of pancreatic cancer from other solid tumours arising from the periampullary area on MDCT

PURPOSE

To investigate CT features and differential diagnosis of pancreatic adenocarcinoma compared to other solid tumours arising in the periampullary area.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred and ninety-five patients with pathologically proven, solid periampullary tumours, including pancreatic adenocarcinoma (n = 98), neuroendocrine tumours (n = 52), gastrointestinal stromal tumours (n = 31), and solid pseudopapillary neoplasms (n = 14), underwent preoperative CT. Two radiologists reviewed CT features and rated the possibility of pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

RESULTS

Statistically common findings for pancreatic adenocarcinoma included: patient age >50 years; ill-defined margin; completely solid mass; homogeneous enhancement; hypoenhancement on arterial and venous phases; atrophy; and duct dilatation. Statistically common findings for GIST included: heterogeneous enhancement; hyperenhancement on arterial and venous phases; rim enhancement; and prominent feeding arteries. The hyperenhancement on arterial and venous phases is statistically common in NET, and heterogeneous enhancement, hypoenhancement on the arterial and venous phases are statistically common in SPN. Diagnostic performance of CT for differentiating pancreatic adenocarcinomas from other solid periampullary tumours was 0.962 and 0.977 with excellent interobserver agreement (κ = 0.824).

CONCLUSION

CT is useful not only for differentiating pancreatic adenocarcinoma form other solid tumours but also for differentiating between other solid tumours, including NET, SPN, and GIST, arising in the periampullary area.

KEY POINTS

• Periampullary tumours arise within 2 cm of major duodenal papilla. • Many mass-forming periampullary tumours can be completely removed by minimal surgery. • Accurate differentiation of pancreatic adenocarcinoma from other solid tumours is important. • CT is useful for differentiating pancreatic adenocarcinoma from other solid tumours. • CT is useful for characterization of periampullary tumours other than adenocarcinomas.

Imaging features of glucagonoma syndrome: A case report and review of the literature

Glucagonoma syndrome appears as an extremely rare neuroendocrine tumour, with few studies ever having detailed its imaging manifestations. In particular, the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of the lesion have not yet been reported. The present study describes a 54-year-old male who presented with uncontrollable skin erythema and weight loss that had been apparent for two years, and diabetes mellitus that had been apparent for five years. The glucagon level was 180 pg/ml. The plain abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan revealed a solid tumour in the neck of the pancreas, which was slightly reinforced during the arterial phase of the enhanced CT scan. Upon MRI, the lesion exhibited a low signal on T1-weighted imaging, and a slightly high signal on T2-weighted and half-Fourier acquisition single-shot turbo spin echo sequence imaging, which measured ~4.5×3.0×3.0 cm in size. Upon diffusion-weighted imaging, the lesion demonstrated heterogeneous hyperintensity, which was mildly enhanced during the arterial phase and washed out during the portal venous phase of gadopentetate dimeglumine-enhanced MRI. 18F-fludeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography (PET)-CT identified a mild uptake of 18F-FDG by the lesion. The patient was diagnosed with glucagonoma syndrome, and a distal pancreatectomy and splenectomy were subsequently performed. Microscopy revealed that the tumour cells exhibited nest- and belt-like arrangements. The immunohistochemical staining identified positive reactions for glucagon, synaptophysin and chromogranin A, which are consistent with a diagnosis of glucagonoma. Following surgery, the symptoms disappeared and the glucagon level returned to normal. In conclusion, imaging examinations are useful for determining the location and size of a glucagonoma. In particular, MRI is able to identify the distinctive morphological features of the lesion. Immunohistochemical staining provides diagnostic evidence based upon the neuroendocrine features.

Transarterial chemoembolization for liver metastases from solid pseudopapillary epithelial neoplasm of pancreas: A case report

Solid pseudo-papillary epithelial neoplasm (SPEN) is a rare epithelial tumor of pancreas with a low malignant potential occurs most commonly in young females. We report a case of 40 years old woman presented with extensive liver metastasis from SPEN of pancreatic body for which she was operated four years ago. Due to the extensive nature of metastatic disease she was offered Transarterial chemoembolisation (TACE) using gemcitabine as chemotherapeutic agent. Short term follow up after a month of TACE with multiphase computed tomography showed > 90% resolution in the viable tumor with significant clinical improvement. TACE ensures targeted delivery of chemotherapeutic drugs in higher doses with least systemic toxicity and is more effective and safe than systemic chemotherapy. TACE with gemcitabine was found to be very effective in our patient with numerous liver metastasis.

A pancreatic pseudopapillary tumor enucleated curatively

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Pancreatic pseudopapillary tumor is an rarely problem.

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Tumor may be more aggressive at males relatively to females.

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Complete resection is the main treatment option for these tumors.

Introduction

Pseudopapillary tumors (PPT) of the pancreas are very rare, comprising 0.3–2.7% of all pancreatic tumors, and they occur mostly in young women. Generally, they are benign, but in rare cases they can enlarge, invade adjacent organs, and metastasize distantly. Radiological assessments and biochemical markers are important for diagnosing tumor characteristics. The main treatment is tumor resection.

Presentation of case

An 18-year-old female was referred to our department suffering from abdominal discomfort and upper quadrant abdominal pain. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) revealed a 6- × 5-cm mass between the pancreatic head and right adrenal gland (Fig. 1). The histological assessment was a solid PPT of the pancreas with intact surgical borders.

Discussion

PPT are very rare, comprising approximately 5% of cystic pancreatic tumors and ∼1% of exocrine pancreatic neoplasms and present mainly during the second and third decades of life. PPTs are usually indolent tumors. As such, they tend to produce vague nonspecific symptoms or may be detected incidentally on imaging. Complete surgical resection (R0) is the most effective therapy for PPT.

Conclusion

Although PPT is a very rare, benign tumor, it has the potential to metastasize to adjacent and distant organs. Consequently, they should be detected early, so that they can be treated surgically before malignant conversion.

Pancreatic cystic neoplasms: Review of current knowledge, diagnostic challenges, and management options

Pancreatic cystic lesions are being detected with increasing frequency, largely due to advances in cross-sectional imaging. The most common neoplasms include serous cystadenomas, mucinous cystic neoplasms, intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms, solid pseudopapillary neoplasms, and cystic pancreatic endocrine neoplasms. Computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) are currently used as imaging modalities. EUS-guided fine needle aspiration has proved to be a useful diagnostic tool, and enables an assessment of tumor markers, cytology, chemistries, and DNA analysis. Here, we review the current literature on pancreatic cystic neoplasms, including classification, diagnosis, treatment, and recommendations for surveillance. Data for this manuscript was acquired via searching the literature from inception to December 2014 on PubMed and Ovid MEDLINE.

Predicting recurrence of pancreatic solid pseudopapillary tumors after surgical resection: a multicenter analysis in Korea

BACKGROUND

Solid pseudopapillary tumors (SPTs) of the pancreas are still considered a surgical enigma. Many clinical research trials have failed to identify prognostic factors that predict the malignant behavior of SPTs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This work was a retrospective multicenter study that included a total of 17 medical institutions. Data from 351 patients who underwent surgical resection from January 1990 to December 2008 were retrospectively collected using standardized case report forms requesting clinicopathologic features.

RESULTS

Thirty-four patients (9.7%) were male, and 317 (90.3%) were female, with a mean age of 36.8 ± 12.4 years. Recently, minimally invasive (P < 0.001) and parenchyma or function-preserving limited surgeries (P = 0.016) have been more frequently applied for the treatment of pancreatic SPTs. Ninety-eight patients (27.9%) had microscopic malignant features. Only 9 patients (2.6%) experienced tumor recurrence after the initial pancreatic SPT resection. Multivariate analysis showed that a tumor size larger than 8 cm [Exp (β) = 7.385, P = 0.018], microscopic malignant features [Exp (β) = 10.009, P = 0.011], and stage IV [Exp (β) = 42.003, P = 0.002] were significant prognostic factors for tumor recurrence. When combined with stage IV, the microscopic malignant features and 2010 World Health Organization definition of solid pseudopapillary carcinoma more successfully differentiated future recurrence risk groups (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

More specific pathologic descriptions need to be employed in pathologic report forms to provide proper information to predict SPT recurrence after resection. Future studies emphasizing the standardized pathologic evaluation of pancreatic SPTs may unveil the enigmatic nature of pancreatic SPTs.

CTNNB1 mutational analysis of solid-pseudopapillary neoplasms of the pancreas using endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration and next-generation deep sequencing

BACKGROUND

Solid-pseudopapillary neoplasm (SPN), a rare neoplasm of the pancreas, frequently harbors mutations in exon 3 of the cadherin-associated protein beta 1 (CTNNB1) gene. Here, we analyzed SPN tissue for CTNNB1 mutations by deep sequencing using next-generation sequencing (NGS).

METHODS

Tissue samples from 7 SPNs and 31 other pancreatic lesions (16 pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDAC), 11 pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNET), 1 acinar cell carcinoma, 1 autoimmune pancreatitis lesion, and 2 focal pancreatitis lesions) were analyzed by NGS for mutations in exon 3 of CTNNB1.

RESULTS

A single-base-pair missense mutations in exon 3 of CTNNB1 was observed in all 7 SPNs and in 1 of 11 PNET samples. However, mutations were not observed in the tissue samples of any of the 16 PDAC or other four pancreatic disease cases. The variant frequency of CTNNB1 ranged from 5.4 to 48.8 %.

CONCLUSIONS

Mutational analysis of CTNNB1 by NGS is feasible and was achieved using SPN samples obtained by endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration.

Solid pseudopapillary neoplasm collides with a well-differentiated pancreatic endocrine neoplasm in an adult man: case report and review of histogenesis

OBJECTIVES

Solid pseudopapillary neoplasm (SPN) of the pancreas is a rare, clinicopathologically distinct neoplasm with a tendency to affect young women. The histogenesis of SPN is not well defined. Pancreatic endocrine neoplasms (PENs) are also uncommon tumors of the pancreas.

METHODS

Our comprehensive review of the literature did not yield any reported cases of collision tumors of the above two neoplasms. We report a case of such a collision tumor in a 45-year-old man.

RESULTS

This tumor was an incidental finding on computed tomography, followed by fine-needle aspiration confirmation of a tumor that was initially diagnosed as an SPN only. A histologic examination of a 2.1-cm mass following distal pancreatectomy revealed a 0.7-cm PEN partly engulfed by an SPN. The tumors showed different morphologic and immunohistochemical features, confirming the presence of a collision tumor.

CONCLUSIONS

A comparative analysis of immunoprofiles of these tumors yielded interesting findings, enabling us to postulate that SPNs may originate from a multipotential primordial cell that may follow different differentiation pathways, such as endocrine, epithelial, and acinar. The ultrastructures and immunophenotypic characteristics appear to support this hypothesis.

Solid pseudopapillary neoplasm of the pancreas associated with familial adenomatous polyposis

A man in his thirties visited our hospital for an evaluation of a 12×10-mm pancreatic solid tumor that was accidentally detected on computed tomography performed for follow-up of familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). We diagnosed the patient with a solid pseudopapillary neoplasm (SPN) based on endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration, and he underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy. Small SPN tumors appear as solid tumors, without typical features of SPN, making the definitive diagnosis more difficult. The genetic background of FAP patients can predispose them to SPN, and imaging of the pancreas should be performed at prescribed intervals in FAP patients.

Beger procedure in a 20-year-old female with solid pseudopapillary tumour of the pancreas

Solid pseudopapillary tumour is a rare indolent neoplasm of the pancreas (< 2% of exocrine pancreatic tumours), which predominantly affects young women at reproductive age, without significant clinical symptoms.

We report a case of a 20-year-old Caucasian female who presented with upper abdominal pain of one-year duration. Ultrasound scans of the abdomen demonstrated enlarged pancreatic head and body containing a poorly separated mass (52 × 41 × 36 mm) with a multi-cystic component 20–24 mm in diameter. Laboratory tests including, tumour markers levels, were normal. She underwent complete resection of the tumour using a Beger procedure. By immunohistochemistry, the case stained strongly for CD10 and CD56 and was negative for cytokeratin-7 (CK-7), synaptophysin and chromogranin A. The proliferation index (Ki-67) was < 1%. The patient is being followed-up and remains healthy.

Clinical Features and Management of Pancreatic Solid Pseudopapillary Tumor

Solid pseudopapillary tumor (SPT) is a rare pancreatic tumor with low malignant potential. Between February 2006 and May 2013, six patients were affected by SPT. Two patients were male and four were female. Median age of the patients was 31.5 years (range, 13 to 47 years). One patient was preoperatively diagnosed by an endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy. Pancreaticoduodenectomy was performed in two and distal pancreatectomy was done in four. One operation of those was laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy. In this series, recurrence or distant metastasis was not reported and successful outcome was achieved in all patients. In conclusion, whereas diagnosis of SPT is difficult, it can be diagnosed by endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy preoperatively. It should be treated by surgery, and laparoscopic operation can be considered.

Epidemiological characteristics, diagnosis and treatment of solid pseudopaillary neoplasm of the pancreas in China in the past 20 years

AIM: To review the epidemiological characteristics, diagnosis and treatment of solid pseudopaillary neoplasm of the pancreas (SPN) in the past 20 years.

METHODS: The reports about SPN were serached, and the information relevant to epidemiological features, diagnosis and treatment of SPN, as well as the clinical data were retrieved and analyzed retrospectively.

RESULTS: A total of 3688 patients with SPN were reported in China from January 1995 to April 2014. The ratio of males to females was approximately 1:6.65; the average age was 30.11 years. About 39.59% of the patients were distributed in east China. The patients with symptoms accounted for approximately 74.73%; 3.23% of the patients were reported with jaundice. Tumor markers were negative in nearly all the patients. About 29.42% of the patients were diagnosed as SPN prior to surgery. The tumors were observed frequently in the head and neck (40.22%), the body and tail (58.98%) of the pancreas. The main treatment for SPN was surgery, including enucleation (41.12%), pancreatoduodenectomy (23.41%) and distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy (34.23%). The positive rates of vimentin, α1-antitrypsin (α1-AT) and α1-antichymotrypsin (α1-ACT) in tumor cells were 92.25%, 90.81% and 87.06%, respectively. Postoperative recurrence developed in 175 cases; 17 cases died of SPN.

CONCLUSION: SPN occurs predominantly in young females and is more prevalent in east China. SPN lacks specific symptoms or signs, has diverse imaging manifestations, and can be easily misdiagnosed. Definite diagnosis in most patients relies on pathology and immunohistochemistry. SPN is a neoplasm of low malignant potential. Surgical procedure is the main effective treatment with good prognosis.

Imaging features of primary malignant pancreatic tumors in children

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this article is to describe the sonographic, CT, and MRI features of primary malignant pancreatic tumors of childhood.

CONCLUSION

Most children with a pancreatic tumor present with a solid pseudopapillary tumor that is usually well marginated and has solid and cystic areas surrounded by a fibrous capsule. Pancreatoblastoma is more aggressive than solid pseudopapillary tumor. The imaging features are those of a large heterogeneous tumor. Ductal adenocarcinoma is rare in children and has a poor prognosis.

Laparoscopic central pancreatectomy for solid pseudopapillary tumors of the pancreas: our experience with ten cases

Background

Solid pseudopapillary tumors (SPTs) of the pancreas are a rare neoplasm. There are few reports of laparoscopic central pancreatectomies (LCPs) for SPT of the pancreas. The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility, safety and long-term outcome of LCP based on a series of SPT patients.

Methods

This retrospective study included ten patients who underwent LCP between 2009 and 2013. Clinical characteristics and intra- and postoperative data were retrospectively analyzed. A follow-up of at least 3 months was available for all patients.

Results

All procedures were successfully performed laparoscopically, and no patient required intraoperative blood transfusion. The median operative time was 271 min (range 250 to 310 min) and the median loss of blood was 104 ml (range 80 to 150 ml). The mean tumor size was 51 mm (range 38 to 62 mm). All patients underwent complete resection with negative surgical margin. An average of 5.8 lymph nodes were resected without metastases. The median first flatus time was 2 days, and the median starting time for diet was 3 days. The median postoperative hospital stay was 13 days (range 10 to 23 days). Morbidity was 20%. The median follow-up was 22.9 months (range 3 to 48 months), at which point all patients were alive with no recurrence. None of the patients developed exocrine or endocrine insufficiency. No hospital mortalities occurred in our patient group.

Conclusions

LCP is a safe and effective technique for resecting SPT of the neck and proximal body of the pancreas while preserving pancreatic endocrine and exocrine function, and the spleen.

Pancreatic pseudopapillary tumour: A rare misdiagnosed entity

INTRODUCTION

Solid pseudo papillary pancreatic tumour is a rare entity. The atypical presentation causes a delayed or misdiagnosis of these pathology. It commonly affects the female population in the 2nd and 3rd decade of life. The presentation varies from non-specific abdominal pain to incidental findings in asymptomatic patients. It is a low-grade premalignant condition that is curable by excision of the tumour.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

This paper presents a 17-year-old girl with intra-abdominal mass diagnosed with solid pseudo papillary tumour that underwent Whipple's procedure.

DISCUSSION

We discuss the presentations, diagnosis and pathology findings of this rare pathology.

CONCLUSION

The diagnosis remains an enigma in view of the nature and location of the tumour. Resection is still the best choice remains for this condition.

Overexpression of lymphoid enhancer-binding factor 1 (LEF1) in solid-pseudopapillary neoplasms of the pancreas

Solid-pseudopapillary neoplasms are rare, but are distinctive pancreatic tumors of low-malignant potential. While the histogenesis of these tumors is unclear, they are often associated with gain-of-function mutations in the catenin (cadherin-associated protein), beta 1 (88 kDa), or CTNNB1 gene, resulting in nuclear accumulation of CTNNB1. CTNNB1 is a central component of the Wnt signaling pathway and mediates gene expression through the lymphoid enhancer-binding factor 1 (LEF1) /T-cell factor transcription complex. Although LEF1 has a pivotal role in the transactivation of Wnt/CTNNB1 responsive genes, the status of LEF1 in solid-pseudopapillary neoplasms and other pancreatic tumors has not been examined. We analyzed both LEF1 and CTNNB1 in a large cohort of pancreatic tumors (n=155). In all cases of solid-pseudopapillary neoplasms including surgical resections (n=27) and cytologic samples (n=8) had strong and diffuse nuclear labeling for both LEF1 and CTNNB1. The surrounding uninvolved pancreatic parenchyma was devoid of any LEF1 staining. All resection and cytologic specimens from well-differentiated pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (n=44; n=29, respectively), high-grade pancreatic neuroendocrine carcinomas (n=2; n=1), pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (n=25; n=12), and acinar cell carcinomas (n=9; n=2) studied were negative for both nuclear LEF1 and CTNNB1. However, nuclear LEF1 and CTNNB1 were detected in all four resected pancreatoblastomas (no cytologic specimens were available for immunolabeling), but primarily centered around and within squamoid corpuscles. In summary, abnormal CTNNB1 accumulation was accompanied by nuclear LEF1 overexpression in both solid-pseudopapillary neoplasms and pancreatoblastomas. But, in contrast to pancreatoblastomas, a diffuse, nuclear labeling was observed in solid-pseudopapillary neoplasms and further implicates the CTNNB1/LEF1 transcriptional complex in the development of solid-pseudopapillary neoplasms. In addition, as part of an immunohistochemical panel, LEF1 can be a useful ancillary stain in the diagnosis of solid-pseudopapillary neoplasms.

Unresectable isolated hepatic metastases from solid pseudopapillary neoplasm of the pancreas: a case report of chemosaturation with high-dose melphalan

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Solid pseudopapillary neoplasms of the pancreas (SPN) are rare tumors. For patients with unresectable liver metastases of SPN, no standard treatment has been defined so far. Here we report a case of a 40-year-old woman with SPN and metastases confirmed to the liver, and disease progression in the liver after primary tumor resection and chemotherapy with gemcitabine and cisplatin.

METHODS

Chemosaturation with percutaneous hepatic perfusions is a minimally invasive, repeatable regional therapy which delivers chemotherapy directly to the liver while limiting systemic toxicity. As an individual treatment approach, the patient was treated with chemosaturation with percutaneous hepatic perfusions of melphalan.

RESULTS

The procedure was performed twice within 8 weeks after which the liver metastases showed a marked reduction in size and vascularization (partial response). Grade 3 leukopenia after the second procedure was managed effectively with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor. No other toxicities were observed. Ten months after initiating treatment, the patient had a good performance status and remained stable.

CONCLUSIONS

For SPN with unresectable liver metastases and progression despite systemic treatment, repeat chemosaturation with high-dose melphalan may also offer an effective regional treatment option.

Long-term follow-up after pancreatoduodenectomy with portal vein resection for a huge solid pseudopapillary neoplasm in an adolescent girl

A 16-year-old Japanese girl with a huge 13-cm-diameter tumor in the pancreas head presented with life-threatening symptoms and findings including severe anemia, obstructive jaundice, duodenal stenosis, and serious portal vein compression. She underwent a pancreatoduodenectomy with combined resection of the portal vein. Reconstruction of the portal vein was successfully performed using an external iliac vein graft and postoperative anticoagulant therapy. Pathological examination revealed a solid pseudopapillary neoplasm of the pancreas. The patient's postoperative course was uneventful, but her menstruation ceased for 14 months. She is now alive with no evidence of recurrence 100 months postoperatively and she suffers no impairments in daily activities of life. As a treatment of solid pseudopapillary neoplasms of the pancreas, pancreatoduodenectomy combined with portal vein resection is rarely performed in adolescent patients, but is reportedly successful, with patients tolerating the operation and surviving without recurrence. An aggressive surgical attitude is recommended when dealing with this tumor type with curative resection, even in adolescent patients.

Is EUS-FNA of solid-pseudopapillary neoplasms of the pancreas as a preoperative procedure really necessary and free of acceptable risks?

BACKGROUND

Solid-pseudopapillary neoplasms (SPNs) of the pancreas are infrequent tumors since, as of 2014, only 2744 patients have been described. Its rarity, unclear histogenesis, pleomorphic aspect on radiology (cystic, solid or mixed) and unpredictable biological behavior with an insidious high-grade malignant potential make SPN difficult to recognize preoperatively even in its target patient population which is predominantly composed of young women (about 87% of cases).

METHODS

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) showed to improve the preoperative diagnostic yield for this tumor and obviate the risks formerly given by percutaneous biopsy.

RESULTS

In light of our experience, such a procedure could not be so innocuous as generally acknowledged.

CONCLUSION

We report the first case of rupture of pancreatic SPN following EUS-FNA and entertain both the actual and potential complications ensuing from this type of mishap.

Misdiagnosis of pancreatic papillary mucinous cystadenocarcinoma: A case report

The morbidity of papillary cystadenocarcinoma of the pancreas is extremely low and the condition is rarely first found as spinal metastases, thus it is often misdiagnosed prior to surgery. The present study reports a case of papillary cystadenocarcinoma with thoracolumbar metastases in a 56-year-old male. The first symptom to occur was backache, however, computed tomography revealed no positive findings. The pain became exacerbated and the patient underwent lumbar and thoracic vertebrae magnetic resonance imaging, which identified abnormal signals. Imaging and pathological examinations were used for the final diagnosis. Due to multiple bone metastases, the patient the administration of induction chemotherapy was suggested, however, the patient refused. The patient succumbed to the disease in June 2013.

Extremely rare presentation of Frantz's tumour: synchronous localisation in the pancreatic head and tail

INTRODUCTION

Solid pseudopapillary tumour of the pancreas is a rare lesion with low malignant potential occurring predominantly in young women. This is a report of an extremely rare occurrence of synchronous presentation of pseudopapillary tumour in the pancreatic head and tail of a 16-year-old female patient.

CASE PRESENTATION

The patient presented with a three-month intermittent upper abdominal pain and swelling. Computed tomography scan showed two separate masses, involving the pancreatic head and tail. The patient underwent surgery, where successful tumour enucleation of both tumours was performed. Histological report confirmed solid pseudopapillary tumour of the pancreas with the low malignant potential.

CONCLUSION

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of synchronous presentation of pseudopapillary tumour of the pancreas.

Imaging of pediatric pancreatic neoplasms with radiologic-histopathologic correlation

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this article is to describe the imaging features of pediatric pancreatic tumors with pathologic correlation. Epithelial and nonepithelial lesions are described. Pancreatic imaging protocols, clinical presentation, and management are also detailed.

CONCLUSION

Pancreatic neoplasms are rare in children and vary widely between benign and malignant causes and between cystic and solid lesions. Epithelial tumors are most common and include solid pseudopapillary tumor, pancreatoblastoma, islet cell neoplasms, and cystic lesions.

Duodenum-preserving pancreatic head resection in solid pseudopapillary neoplasm-Report of a case

INTRODUCTION

Solid pseudopapillary neoplasm (SPPN) was first characterized by Virginia Frantz in 1959. The duodenum-preserving pancreatic head resection (DPPHR) has been described as treatment for low-grade malignant tumors of the head of the pancreas including eight cases of SPPN.

PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 16-year-old white female patient presented with abdominal pain and dyspepsia. Computed tomography scan of abdomen showed a 10 × 9 × 10 cm³ lesion on the pancreatic head. After radiological diagnosis of SPPN the patient was submitted to DPPHR. Resection was achieved with clear margins. Immunohistochemical study demonstrated positivity for progesterone receptor, β-catenin, cytoplasmic paranuclear dot-like CD99, negativity for chromogranin and S100 protein and Ki 67 index of 1%.

DISCUSSION

A large encapsulated pancreatic mass with well-defined borders that contains areas of calcifications and intratumoral hemorrhage on CT scan in a young female is virtually diagnostic of an SPPN. A particular dot-like intracytoplasmic expression of CD99 appears to be highly unique for SPPN

CONCLUSION

DPPHR should be considered in cases of SPPN in the pancreas head if there is no compromise with oncologic radicality.

A solid pseudopapillary neoplasm without cysts that occurred in a patient diagnosed by endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration: a case report

Introduction

Solid pseudopapillary neoplasm of the pancreas is a rare neoplasm that has been reported to account for between 0.17% and 2.7% of all non-endocrine tumors of the pancreas. It is usually seen in young women. Because solid pseudopapillary neoplasms are rarely aggressive and have low-grade malignant potential and an excellent prognosis after complete resection, it is an ideal pancreatic tumor for treatment by minimally invasive surgery. Therefore, making an accurate pre-operative diagnosis is very important.

Case presentation

A 24-year-old Japanese man who had been found to have mild transaminase elevations at a medical check-up visited our hospital for further examination. Abdominal computed tomography showed a 40mm-diameter tumor in the pancreatic tail and mild fatty liver. He was admitted to our hospital for additional examination. The abdominal contrast-enhanced computed tomography scan taken at our institution showed an increasingly enhanced mass of 40mm diameter in the pancreatic tail. Ultrasonography showed a low-level echoic mass of 35mm diameter in the pancreatic tail. T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging showed low signal intensity in the tail of the pancreas. T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging showed high signal intensity there. Diffusion magnetic resonance imaging showed high signal intensity. An endoscopic ultrasound yielded the same results as the abdominal ultrasonogram. In addition, [¹⁸F]-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography showed abnormal accumulation (maximum standardized uptake value, 6.53). This finding raised our suspicion of a pancreatic malignant tumor. However, the patient could not be confidently diagnosed solely on the basis of imaging. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration was performed, which led us to a diagnosis of solid pseudopapillary neoplasm. On that basis, we performed minimally invasive surgery (spleen-preserving laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy).

Conclusion

Atypical solid pseudopapillary neoplasm without cysts should be considered when diagnosing pancreatic tumors. A definitive pre-operative diagnosis of solid pseudopapillary neoplasm made on the basis of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration can guide the surgical approach used.

Laparoscopic pylorus preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy in paediatric age for solid pseudopapillary neoplasm of head of the pancreas - case report

Solid pseudopapillary neoplasm (SPN) of the pancreas is a rare tumour commonly seen in young women without significant clinical features. SPN is usually a lowgrade malignant neoplasm which warrants resection. Recurrence and metastasis is seen rarely after complete resection. Pancreaticoduodenectomy is indicated for SPN situated in head of the pancreas which is generally performed by open approach. Laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (LPD) is difficult to perform for this condition because of smaller size of pancreatic and hepatic ducts more so in paediatric population. We report a case of 12 years old girl having SPN arising from head of the pancreas. She underwent laparoscopic pylorus preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy. Post-operative period was uneventful. Histological examination of resected specimen confirmed diagnosis of SPN. At 6 months follow up, she was doing well without any recurrence. To best of our knowledge, no case of LPD in paediatric patients is reported in literature available to us.

Clinical and pathological features of solid pseudopapillary neoplasms of the pancreas at a single institution

AIMS

The aim of this study was to determine the clinicopathological features and surgical management of solid pseudopapillary neoplasms (SPNs) of the pancreas at a single institution.

METHODS

We investigated 34 patients (5 males and 29 females) who underwent surgery for pathologically confirmed SPNs between 1994 and 2012.

RESULTS

Clinical symptoms were absent in 58.8% of the patients. The median tumor diameter was 42.7 mm. All tumors were successfully removed by R0 resection. Pathologically, 5.9% had duodenum invasion and 2.9% had pancreatic serosal invasion, but there was no lymph node metastasis. Radiological findings showed calcification in 39.4% of the patients, capsule formation in 51.5%, cystic components in 69.7%, solid components in 93.9% and internal bleeding in 36.4%. Immunohistochemically, neuron-specific enolase was positive in 100% of the patients, nuclear accumulation of β-catenin in 100% and CD10 in 78.8%. There were no recurrences reported at the median follow-up (67 months). Regarding gender differences, the cystic component in radiological imaging was the only significant finding among the features studied (p = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

R0 resection with appropriate procedures appears to be sufficient for patients with SPNs, even for locally invasive tumors. There were no significant differences between genders except for the cystic component on radiological imaging.

Solid pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas in male patients: Report of 16 cases

AIM: To investigate the clinical characteristics, surgical strategies and prognosis of solid pseudopapillary tumors (SPTs) of the pancreas in male patients.

METHODS: From July 2003 to March 2013, 116 patients were diagnosed with SPT of the pancreas in our institution. Of these patients, 16 were male. The patients were divided into two groups based on gender: female (group 1) and male (group 2). The groups were compared with regard to demographic characteristics, clinical presentations, surgical strategies, complications and follow-up outcomes.

RESULTS: Male patients were older than female patients (43.1 ± 12.3 years vs 33.1 ± 11.5 years, P = 0.04). Tumor size, location, and symptoms were comparable between the two groups. All patients, with the exception of one, underwent complete surgical resection. The patients were regularly followed up. The mean follow-up period was 58 mo. Two female patients (1.7%) developed tumor recurrence or metastases and required a second resection, and two female patients (1.7%) died during the follow-up period.

CONCLUSION: Male patients with SPT of the pancreas are older than female patients. There are no significant differences between male and female patients regarding surgical strategies and prognosis.

Solid pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas with liver metastasis: Clinical features and management

OBJECTIVE

To summarize the diagnosis and management of metastatic pancreatic solid pseudopapillary tumors (SPTs).

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of patients with metastatic pancreatic SPTs who were admitted to Peking Union Medical College Hospital from November 2001 to September 2013.

RESULTS

A total of 187 patients with pancreatic SPTs were admitted. Four patients had liver metastasis, and all four were female patients aged 20-72 years old. Each patient with metastases underwent surgical resection with good postoperative recovery. The mean follow-up period was 30 months (range, 1-64 months). None of the patients had obvious recurrence or distant metastasis.

CONCLUSIONS

Pancreatic SPT with liver metastasis is very rare, and surgical resection is an effective treatment option. The principle of surgical treatment is to resect the primary and metastatic lesions as completely as possible. The affected patients require long-term postoperative follow-up.

Solid pseudopapillary neoplasms of the pancreas: a report of two cases

Solid pseudopapillary neoplasms of the pancreas are uncommon, accounting for only 1-2% of all pancreatic neoplasms. These tumors are being detected at an increased rate, probably due to the increased awareness and the liberal use of imaging. We report two cases of patients with solid pseudopapillary pancreatic tumors and review the existing literature.

Surgical management and long-term follow-up of solid pseudopapillary tumor of pancreas: a large series from a single institution

OBJECTIVE

We summarized the diagnosis, surgical strategies, and long-term follow-up outcomes in our large series of solid pseudopapillary tumors (SPTs) of pancreas.

METHODS

In this retrospective analysis, we collected data pertaining to pancreatic SPTs diagnosed in 115 patients between July 2003 and February 2013.We analyzed the demographic characteristics, clinical presentations, operative strategies, perioperative details, and follow-up outcomes.

RESULTS

Abdominal pain was the most frequent symptom (40.0%). The most frequent location of SPT was pancreatic tail (36.5%). We performed 33 cases of pancreaticoduodenectomy, 15 cases of middle pancreatectomy, 19 cases of distal pancreatectomy with spleen preservation, 28 cases of distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy, and 18 cases of enucleation. Two patients suffered tumor recurrence and required a second resection of the recurrent tumor.

CONCLUSIONS

Complete resection of the tumor is associated with good survival, even in patients with vessel involvement or metastases. In patients with tumor recurrence, a second resection resulted in long-term survival.

A systematic review of solid-pseudopapillary neoplasms: are these rare lesions?

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to determine if there had been any change in the number of solid-pseudopapillary neoplasm (SPN) cases detected and their evaluation or management over time.

METHODS

A systematic review of SPN was performed of all articles published in English in PubMed and Scopus.

RESULTS

A total of 2744 patients with SPN were identified in 484 studies published between 1961 and 2012; 87.8% of the cases were reported between 2000 and 2012. A total of 2408 (87.8%) were females, and the mean age was 28.5 (SD, 13.7) years. The most common symptom was abdominal pain in 63.6% of the cases and incidentally detected in 38.1% of the cases. There were 2285 patients who underwent pancreatic resection. The mean tumor size was 8.6 (SD, 4.3) cm. Follow-up was reported for 1952 (90.5%) patients, with a mean follow-up of 36.1 (SD, 32.8) months. Disease-free survival was documented in 1866 (95.6%) patients with recurrence in 86 (4.4%) patients; the median time to recurrence was 50.5 months.

CONCLUSIONS

The number of SPNs reported in the literature has seen a 7-fold increase in the number of cases reported since 2000 compared with before. Solid-pseudopapillary neoplasms continue to be primarily found in young women and present with nonspecific symptoms. Surgery remains the mainstay of treatment with an excellent long-term prognosis.

Solid pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas in children: surgical intervention strategies based on pathological findings

PURPOSE

The appropriate surgical intervention strategies for solid pseudopapillary tumor (SPT) of the pancreas in children are still controversial. The aim of this study was to establish surgical intervention strategies based on the pathological findings.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients who underwent surgery for SPT between January 1994 and April 2013.

RESULTS

Five patients with SPT were identified. Tumors were located in the pancreatic head (n = 1), body (n = 2) and tail (n = 2). One patient showed spleen, liver and lung metastases. All five patients underwent pancreatectomy. Enucleation was not performed. One patient with metastases underwent partial hepatectomy. Four tumors had infiltration into the adjacent pancreatic parenchyma. The main pancreatic duct was incorporated into the tumor capsule wall in two patients. Surgical margins were negative in all patients without metastases. The median follow-up period was 37.8 months (range 7-74 months). One patient with metastases died at 60 months after surgery. All other patients were alive and showed no evidence of recurrence.

CONCLUSION

Radical resection with negative margins should be performed for SPT. From the perspective of curability, we suggest that pancreatectomy is the first choice for SPT in children.

Solid pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas in children: 15-year experience at a single institution with assays using an immunohistochemical panel

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to analyze the clinicopathological characteristics of solid pseudopapillary tumor (SPT) of the pancreas and to utilize an immunohistochemical panel to identify specific markers of the disease.

METHODS

Eleven patients diagnosed with and treated for SPT of the pancreas over the past 15 years were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS

The 11 patients consisted of 8 females and 3 males, of mean age at operation of 13.5 years (range, 10 to 18 years). The most frequent presenting symptom was abdominal pain and/or mass. One patient was referred with hemoperitoneum due to traumatic tumor rupture. The lesions were located in the body, head and tail of the pancreas in four, four, and three patients, respectively. Mean tumor diameter was 7.9 cm (range, 2.5 to 15 cm). Surgical procedures included distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy in four patients, pylorus preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy in four, distal pancreatectomy in two, and subtotal pancreatectomy with splenectomy in one. Mean follow-up was 60.5 months (range, 15 to 126 months). All patients remain alive without tumor recurrence. Immunohistochemical staining showed that all tumors were positive for β-catenin, progesterone receptor (PR), vimentin, and CD99. However, all tumors were negative for E-cadherin and cytokeratin 7 expression.

CONCLUSION

Patients with SPT of the pancreas have an excellent prognosis after surgical excision. Immunohistochemically, E-cadherin/β-catenin, PR, vimentin, and CD99 would help establish the diagnosis of SPT of the pancreas, although the results of immunohistochemical staining were found to have an indistinct complex immunoprofile.

Preoperative diagnosis and surgical management for solid pseudopapillary neoplasm of the pancreas

BACKGROUND

Preoperative diagnosis of solid pseudopapillary neoplasm of the pancreas (SPN) remains difficult and optimal surgical management for SPN has yet to be fully defined.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis was undertaken of all 10 patients (six women, four men) who underwent surgery for SPN between 2001 and 2013.

RESULTS

Mean age was 26 years (range, 16-33 years) for women, and 50 years (range, 35-76 years) for men. Although large SPN showed typical imaging findings, small SPN (≤ 3.0 cm) appears as almost entirely solid tumors. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) was performed in six patients with atypical findings of SPN for differentiation from other pancreatic neoplasms. Definitive preoperative cytological diagnosis was achieved in all patients who underwent EUS-FNA. All 10 patients underwent surgical exploration. One patient with portal vein invasion and multiple lung metastases underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy combined with portal vein resection and reconstruction, followed by two pulmonary resections. This patient remains alive as of 34 months after the initial operation.

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration is useful for definitive preoperative diagnosis of SPN. As long-term survival after surgical resection can be achieved even in patients with locally advanced and metastatic SPN, aggressive surgical resection should be performed.

Solid-pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas: MR imaging findings in 21 patients

PURPOSE

Solid-pseudopapillary tumor (SPT) of the pancreas is a rare, low-grade malignancy, which mostly occurs in adolescent and young adult females. The goal of this study was to retrospectively analyze the magnetic resonance (MR) imaging presentation of SPT of the pancreas.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the preoperative MR imaging examinations and the medical, surgical and histopathological records of 21 patients who underwent surgery for SPT of the pancreas. MR imaging included T1-weighted, T2-weighted, and gadolinium chelate-enhanced MR imaging. In addition, 10 patients had diffusion-weighted (DW) MR imaging. MR examinations were retrospectively reviewed for location, size, morphological features and signal intensity of the tumors.

RESULTS

Nineteen women and 2 men (median age, 23 years; range, 14-59) were included. Seven patients (7/21; 33%) presented with abdominal symptoms. The median largest tumor diameter was 53mm (range, 32-141 mm). SPTs were located in the pancreatic head, body, and tail in 9 (9/21; 43%), 5 (5/21; 24%) and 7 (7/21, 33%) patients, respectively. All patients (21/21; 100%) had a single SPT. SPTs were more frequently oval (12/21; 57%), predominantly solid (12/21; 57%), fully encapsulated (16/21; 76%), larger than 30 mm (21/21; 100%), hypointense on T1-weighted MR images (21/21, 100%), hyperintense on T2-weighted MR images (21/21; 100%) and with an enhancing capsule after gadolinium-chelate administration (21/21; 100%).

CONCLUSIONS

There is trend of appearance for SPT of the pancreas on MR imaging but that variations may be observed in a number of cases. SPT uniformly presents as a single, well-demarcated and encapsulated pancreatic mass.

Solid pseudopapillary neoplasm of the pancreas: clinicopathologic and survival analyses of 64 cases from a single institution

Although solid pseudopapillary neoplasms (SPNs) are considered tumors of low malignant potential, patients may present with aggressive disease (ie, liver metastasis/invasion into adjacent organs) and, rarely, die from disease. Although the clinicopathologic features associated with aggressive SPNs have been reported, important prognostic factors of survival remain unclear. We systematically reviewed 64 cases of SPN resected at our institution for tumor size, extent of invasion, margin status, presence of lymphovascular, muscular vessel, and perineural invasion, and lymph node and distant metastases. Clinicopathologic characteristics were correlated with the presence of metastasis/recurrence and disease-specific survival. Five (8%) patients presented with stage IV disease. During follow-up, 5 (13%) of 39 patients with stage I-II disease had recurrences. Patients with metastatic/recurrent SPNs had significantly larger tumor size (P<0.001) and more frequent tumor invasion into muscular vessels (P=0.02). In a median follow-up of 76 months, only 2 died of disease (1 who presented with extensive peritoneal tumor involvement who died 2.5 mo after surgery, and 1 unusual case who presented with multiple liver metastasis and peritoneal seeding who died 19 mo after surgery), and 5 were alive with disease. The 10-year disease-specific survival rate was 96%. Muscular vessel invasion (P=0.001), tumor (T) stage by European Neuroendocrine Tumors Society (ENETS) classification (P<0.001), ENETS stage grouping (P<0.001), and stage grouping by the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC stage, P<0.001) were important predictors of disease-specific survival in patients with SPN. Our study highlights the importance of pathologic evaluation in risk assessment in patients with SPNs.

Solid pseudopapillary tumour (Frantz's tumour) of the pancreas in childhood

An 11-year-old girl presented with acute pancreatitis and mass in the head of the pancreas. MRI revealed a heterogeneous right-upper quadrant retroperitoneal mass measuring 6.8×6.1×5.5 cm arising from the pancreatic head. Endoscopic ultrasound with fine-needle aspirate revealed a solid pseudopapillary tumour (SPT) of the pancreas. The patient underwent a pylorus-preserving Whipple procedure. Pathology confirmed SPT. First described by Frantz, SPT represents less than 3% of all exocrine tumours. It is especially rare in children and shows different clinical features compared with adults. In our patient, tumour cells were arranged at the periphery of fibrovascular cores, but they did not show definite gland formation, keratinisation or cytoplasmic pigment accumulation. A periodic acid-Schiff stain without diastase did not show appreciable glycogen within the tumour cells, classic for Frantz's tumour. The literature, diagnosis, management and pathogenesis on this rare entity in children are reviewed and discussed.

Accuracy of Endoscopic Ultrasound-guided Fine Needle Aspiration in Diagnosing Solid Pseudopapillary Tumor

Background:

Solid pseudopapillary tumors are rare pancreatic tumors. Accurate preoperative diagnosis helps in planning of the surgery.

Aim:

This study was to evaluate accuracy of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration and immunohistochemistry in diagnosing solid pseudopapillary tumors.

Materials and Methods:

A retrospective review was performed by reviewing medical records to identify patients treated for solid pseudopapillary tumors over a 5-year period. Patients who were noted to have pancreatic lesions by computer tomography abdomen underwent endoscopic ultrasound. Fine needle aspiration was obtained from each of these lesions and subjected to immunohistochemistry.

Results:

Five patients were identified. Endoscopic ultrasound was able to identify the pancreatic lesions in all five patients noted in computer tomography abdomen. Solid pseudopapillary tumors were diagnosed by immunohistochemistry. All five patients underwent surgery and the resected lesions confirmed solid pseudopapillary tumors in 80% patients.

Conclusion:

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration has a higher degree of accuracy in diagnosing solid pseudopapillary tumors.