Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm of the pancreas, one manifestation of a more systemic disease?

Esophagogastroduodenal Findings in Patients with Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasms

The association between intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) and extra-pancreatic malignancies is controversial. This cross-sectional study compared esophagogastroduodenal findings in 340 IPMN patients to those of age- and gender-matched controls without known IPMNs who underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopies (EGDs) for similar clinical reasons. The presence of gastric and esophageal cancer, Barrett's esophagus, neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs), gastric adenomas, and ampullary tumors was assessed. The results showed that 4/340 (1.2%) of the IPMN patients had gastric cancer and 1/340 (0.3%) had esophageal cancer. The matched control group had a similar incidence of gastric cancer (5/340) (1.5%), with no esophageal cancer cases (p > 0.999). The overall incidence of other esophagogastroduodenal conditions did not significantly differ between the IPMN patients and the controls. However, the incidence of gastric cancer in the IPMN patients was higher than expected based on national cancer registry data (standardized incidence ratio of 31.39; p < 0.001; CI 8.38-78.76). In conclusion, IPMN patients have a significantly higher incidence of gastric cancer compared to the general population. However, the incidence of esophagogastroduodenal findings, including gastric and esophageal cancer, is similar between IPMN patients and those who undergo an EGD for similar clinical indications. Further research is needed to determine optimal surveillance strategies for IPMN patients regarding their risk of developing gastric cancer.

The Natural Course of Pancreatic Cysts in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Results of a Long-term Follow-up

OBJECTIVES

The natural course of pancreatic cysts in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is unknown. We aim to describe the natural course of pancreatic cysts in IBD and evaluate long-term outcomes.

METHODS

A database of patients with abdominal imaging diagnosis of pancreatic cysts (2008-2019) was reviewed. Patients with IBD and pancreatic cysts (study group) and pancreatic cysts without IBD (controls) were selected. Outcomes were measured at 1, 3, 5, and 10 years. Several logistic regression models were used for analysis.

RESULTS

Of the 1789 patients evaluated, 1690 had pancreatic cysts without IBD, and 78 had IBD and pancreatic cysts. Majority of cysts were intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms. Patients with IBD and pancreatic cysts were more likely to be diagnosed with pancreatic cysts at a younger age (P < 0.001) and were more likely to undergo surgical intervention at a younger age (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first study to evaluate the natural course of pancreatic cysts in IBD patients. Patients with IBD were more likely to have pancreatic cysts detected at a younger age. Despite the early presentation, there were no differences in long-term outcomes. Patients with IBD with pancreatic cysts should be managed similarly to those without IBD.

Increased prevalence of colorectal neoplasia in patients with intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms

BACKGROUND

The association between intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) and colorectal cancer (CRC) and polyps is controversial.

OBJECTIVES

To compare the prevalence of CRC and colorectal polyps among patients with IPMN and matched average risk individuals.

METHODS

A match cross-sectional historical study comparing colonoscopy findings of 310 patients with IPMN cysts who underwent at least one colonoscopy examination from 2004 through 2019, with 310 age- and gender-matched average risk participants who underwent a screening colonoscopy. CRC and polyps were assessed in both groups. The prevalence and odds ratio were calculated.

RESULTS

CRC was diagnosed in 16 of 310 patients with IPMN (5.2%), and at least one polyp was detected in 96 patients (31%). The prevalence of CRC was greater among patients with IPMN than in matched individuals [5.2% versus 1.3%, p = 0.012, prevalence odds ratio (POR) 4, confidence interval (CI) 1.29-16.44]. The overall prevalence of polyps was not higher among patients with IPMN than in matched individuals (31% versus 26.8%, p = 0.291, POR 1.22, CI 0.85-1.76). However, the prevalence of colorectal adenomas with high-grade dysplasia was higher in patients with IPMN than in matched individuals (4.2% versus 1%, p = 0.02, POR 4.33, CI, 1.19-23.7). The prevalence of large polyps (i.e. more than 20 mm in size) was also greater in patients with IPMN than in matched individuals (6.1% versus 1.9%, p = 0.011, POR 3.6, CI, 1.29-12.40).

CONCLUSION

Patients with IPMN have a significantly higher prevalence of CRC and advanced polyps than the average risk population. In view of our findings, we suggest that once the diagnosis of IPMN is made, special consideration of CRC should be undertaken.

Association between pancreatic intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms and extrapancreatic malignancies: A systematic review with meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

It is unclear whether patients with intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasia harbor a higher risk of developing extrapancreatic malignancies.

AIMS

We performed a pooled estimate of the incidence of extrapancreatic malignancies in patients with intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasia, with a particular focus on the comparison to the general population.

METHODS

Computerized bibliographic search of main databases was performed through February 2021. The primary endpoint was the pooled incidence of extrapancreatic malignancies in patients with intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms. Additional outcome was the comparison between intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasia patients and the general population, expressed in terms of standardized incidence ratio along with 95% confidence intervals.

RESULTS

Eighteen studies with 8709 patients were included. The pooled rate of metachronous extrapancreatic malignancies was 10 (6-13)/1000 persons-year. No difference was observed according to intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasia histology and sex, whereas a significantly superior incidence of extrapancreatic malignancies was observed in patients with main-duct (36.7%, 25.4%-48%) as compared to branch-duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasia (26.2%, 17.6%-34.8%; p = 0.03). Pooled standardized incidence ratio comparing expected rates in the general population was 1.01 (0.79-1.29); no difference was observed concerning rates of metachronous gastric cancer (standardized incidence ratio 1.60, 0.72-3.54) and colorectal cancer (1.29, 0.92-1.18), whereas biliary cancer was observed more frequently in intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasia patients (2.29, 1.07-4.93).

CONCLUSION

Patients with intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasia harbor an overall rate of extrapancreatic malignancies as high as 27.3%. The rate of metachronous extrapancreatic malignancies is not superior to the general population.

A meta-analysis: incidental intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm and extra-pancreatic malignancy

INTRODUCTION

Meta-analysis aimed to quantify the relationship between intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) and increased incidence of extra-pancreatic malignancy (EPM) previously reported in qualitative observational cohort studies.

METHODS

Study protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42020169614) and conducted to the Meta-analysis Of Observational Studies in Epidemiology and systematic review reported with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses, Assessing the Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews guidelines.

RESULTS

Sixteen studies (total of 8240 patients) were included in the pooled, and 7399 patients in the subgroup meta-analyses. The odds ratio (OR) for any EPM in the presence of IPMN was 57.9 (95% confidence interval 40.5-82.7), fixed effects, I² = 59% (p < 0.0014). Subgroup analysis for any gastrointestinal EPM (i.e. oesophagus, stomach, colon and rectum) in the presence of an IPMN estimated an overall OR of 12.9 (95% confidence interval 8.8-19.0), fixed effects, I² = 64% (p < 0.0004).

CONCLUSION

Patients with an IPMN are categorically at increased risk for a higher incidence of EPM and particularly the odds of a gastrointestinal malignancy are also increased in comparison with the general population. We advocate that patients presenting with an IPMN should be considered for gastrointestinal screening including colonoscopy, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy or computed tomography.

Gastrointestinal involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus: A systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Gastrointestinal involvement is a common complain observed in 40-60% of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. We performed a systematic review of clinically severe and potential life-threatening gastrointestinal manifestations and discuss clinical presentation, pathogenesis and treatment.

METHODS

We performed a literature search in English literature using PubMed and Embase from 2000 to December 2020. The following MeSH terms: systemic lupus erythematosus, protein-losing enteropathy, ascites, pancreatitis, vasculitis, intestinal vasculitis, enteritis and diarrhea published in the English literature.

RESULTS

We identified 141 studies (case reports, case series and cohort studies). The most frequent presenting symptoms are acute abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Many of the manifestations were associated with disease activity. Histological features are rarely available, but both vasculitis and thrombosis have been described. There is no treatment guideline. The majority of patients were treated with corticosteroids and the most common immunososupressant were azathioprine, cyclophosphamide and mycophenolate.

CONCLUSION

Vasculitis and thrombosis may be responsible for severe life-threatening manifestations such as pancreatitis, protein loosing gastroenteritis, acalculous cholecistyitis and enteritis.

Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasm of the Pancreas Arising in a Patient With Limited Cutaneous Systemic Sclerosis

Systemic sclerosis (SS) is a heterogenous autoimmune disease that manifests itself with skin and internal organ involvement. The association of SS and malignancy is an emerging field of study with limited data in the literature. This report highlights the unique case of a patient with limited cutaneous SS (lcSS) found to have an intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) of the pancreas. In this report, we review the clinical manifestations, serologic findings, and phenotypes of SS. Furthermore, an evaluation of the risk of pancreatic neoplasms in patients with SS will be discussed, as well as the correlation of cancers among SS phenotypes and auto-antibodies. As part of our research, a PubMed search of the following terms was performed: “systemic sclerosis, scleroderma, limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis, CREST syndrome, Raynaud syndrome, cancer, malignancy, pancreas, and intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm".

Rare coincidence of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm and type 1 autoimmune pancreatitis

The present case involved a 60-year-old man with autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP). While his AIP was in remission for 6 years, a follow-up CE-CT revealed a dilated main pancreatic duct (MPD) and an enhanced mural nodule. Fluorodeoxyglucose uptake was positive on positron emission tomography. Endoscopic retrograde pancreatography showed a filling defect of the MPD, and pancreatoscopy revealed a nodule partially covered with papillary lesions. Although a repeat biopsy revealed no evidence of malignancy, we speculated that there was a high likelihood of main-duct-type intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN)-derived carcinoma concomitant with AIP. Subsequently, the patient underwent subtotal stomach-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy. A surgical specimen showed a 35 mm protuberant papillary lesion with abundant stroma, located in the main duct of the pancreas. Further histological evaluation revealed that the nodule was predominantly composed of IPMN with low-grade dysplasia, which was accompanied by abundant IgG4-positive lymphoplasmacytic infiltration, and fibrosis existed predominantly around the IPMN. The epithelium of the cyst showed mucinous hyperplasia with focal papillary structures of gastric phenotype (MUC5A+, MUC6+, MUC1-, MUC2-, CDX-). After surgical resection, we did not find any imaging evidence suggesting a recurrent tumor and AIP relapse in the remnant pancreas. In conclusion, we report a case of IPMN coincidentally found in a patient with type 1 AIP. Active AIP may exaggerate the morphology of IPMN, and careful evaluation should be performed to select appropriate management.

Prevalence of Asymptomatic Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasms in Healthy and Ill Populations Detected by Ultrasonography: A Single-Center Study of 6353 Outpatients

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to establish the prevalence of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) without and with high-risk stigmata (HRS)/worrisome features (WF) and the epidemiologic association between IPMNs and other diseases.

METHODS

Ultrasound examinations of outpatients were evaluated. The IPMN was confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging. The prevalence of IPMNs and HRS/WF IPMNs was calculated. The association between IPMNs and other diseases was studied.

RESULTS

The prevalence rate of IPMNs was 3.4%. A total of 1,531,264 IPMNs were expected in Italian population (2.5%), whereas 2257 per 100,000 citizens (2.3%) were expected in the European standard population (ESP2013). The prevalence rates of HRS/WF IPMNs were 0.5%, 0.7%, and 0.6%, in our, the Italian, and the ESP2013 populations, respectively. A total of 432,881 and 620 HRS/WF IPMNs per 100,000 residents were expected in the Italian and the ESP2013 populations, respectively. The IPMN prevalence increased over 50 years of age (odds ratio [OR], 3.2; P < 0.001) and over 70 years of age (OR, 1.9; P < 0.001). Female sex was related to the presence of IPMNs (OR, 1.9; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms had a high prevalence in asymptomatic nonhospitalized populations. Age older than 50 years identified a possible risk category.

Management of Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasms: Controversies in Guidelines and Future Perspectives

Purpose of review

Management of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) is currently based on consensus, in the absence of evidence-based guidelines. In recent years, several consensus guidelines have been published, with distinct management strategies. In this review, we will discuss these discrepancies, in order to guide treating physicians in clinical management.

Recent findings

The detection rate of pancreatic cysts has increased substantially with the expanded use of high-quality imaging techniques to up to 45%. Of these cysts, 24–82% are IPMNs, which harbour a malignant potential. Timely detection of high-risk lesions is therefore of great importance. Surgical management is based on the presence of clinical and morphological high-risk features, yet the majority of resected specimens appear to be low risk.

Summary

International collaboration and incentive large-scale prospective registries of individuals undergoing cyst surveillance are needed to accumulate unbiased data and develop evidence-based guidelines. Additionally, development of non-invasive, accurate diagnostic tools (e.g. biomarkers) is needed to differentiate between neoplastic and non-neoplastic pancreatic cysts and detect malignant transformation at an early stage (i.e. high-grade dysplasia).

Application of a novel targeting nanoparticle contrast agent combined with magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm

Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) is a severe disease with macroscopic visible mucin secretion that primarily occurs in biliary tracts or pancreatic ducts. In comparison with standard diagnostic imaging, probing the molecular abnormalities associated with the initial stages of diseases rather than imaging the end effects markedly improves the accuracy of diagnosis. In the present study, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in combination with the contrast agent PEGylated magnetoliposome consisting of gadolinium ethoxybenzyl diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (Gd-EOB-DTPA) and target molecules of IPMN were investigated in the diagnosis of patients with suspected IPMN. The present investigation indicated that the novel targeting nanoparticle contrast agent targeted platelet-derived growth factor receptor-β and RET, and maintained a high affinity with tumor markers located on the IPMN surface. The novel targeting nanoparticle contrast agent combined with MRI exhibited increased sensitivity in diagnosing early-stage patients with IPMN. Furthermore, image quality was improved following the use of the novel targeting nanoparticle contrast agent combined with MRI compared with standard MRI. The targeting nanoparticle contrast agent retained sufficient affinity and was present for an adequate amount of time to observe the tumor mass in papillae using MRI. Notably, the targeting nanoparticle contrast agent was metabolized at 12 h post-injection. In conclusion, these outcomes indicate that the novel targeting nanoparticle contrast agent combined with MRI improved image quality and sensitivity compared with standard MRI, which suggests that this approach may be promising for clinical detection in patients with suspected IPMN.

Branch Duct-type Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasm Presenting as Paraneoplastic Small Plaque Para-psoriasis

To present and discuss a novel association between branch duct-type intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm and paraneoplastic parapsoriasis. We present the case of a middle-aged male presenting with skin lesions that were suggestive of parapsoriasis, resistant to treatment, and in whom a diagnosis of branch-type intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm of the pancreas was eventually made. A curative Whipple's surgery led to complete resolution of the skin lesions within 3 weeks. Paraneoplastic parapsoriasis in association with intraductal papillary mucinous pancreatic neoplasm has never been reported before.