Intraductal tubulopapillary neoplasm (ITPN) of the pancreas associated with an invasive component: a case report with review of the literature

Intraductal neoplasms of the pancreatobiliary tract: navigating the alphabet

Cancers of the pancreatobiliary tract are diseases with unfavourable prognoses. In the last couple of decades, two types of lesions have been described as precursors that precede pancreatobiliary cancers. These include incidental microscopic (flat) lesions known as pancreatic intra-epithelial neoplasia and biliary intra-epithelial neoplasia, and grossly visible, mass-forming lesions (tumoral intra-epithelial neoplasia) including intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms, intraductal oncocytic papillary neoplasms, intraductal tubulopapillary neoplasms, intraductal papillary neoplasms of the bile duct and intracholecystic papillary neoplasms. Early detection and adequate treatment of these precursor lesions, especially the second group, have the potential to prevent pancreatobiliary cancer or at least improve its prognosis. In this review, we discuss their histopathology and recent updates on molecular profiling of these intraductal neoplasms of the pancreatobiliary tract.

Adenocarcinoma in Intraductal Tubulopapillary Neoplasm of the Pancreas: A Case Report and Literature Review

Intraductal tubulopapillary neoplasms (ITPNs) are a subgroup of pre-malignant pancreatic epithelial lesions. The histomorphological and immunophenotypical characteristics of ITPN have been described by several authors based on case series; however, the rarity of this tumor subtype and its similarity to other entities makes the identification of ITPN challenging for radiologists and pathologists. Herein, we report a case of ITPN with associated invasive carcinoma along with a literature review that will benefit further studies and help in planning treatments for patients in the future. A pancreatic mass was incidentally discovered in a 40-year-old woman during her annual check-up. Radiological investigation revealed a mass that obstructed the main pancreatic duct and caused ductal dilatation. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography with biopsy indicated poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma. Subsequently, total pancreatectomy with splenectomy was performed to remove the tumor. ITPN of the pancreas with associated poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma was diagnosed based on pathological and immunohistological test results. Achieving complete resection of the tumor, the patient did not require chemotherapy during follow-up care. Thus, our study demonstrated the necessity of radiological and histopathological correlation in the definitive diagnosis of pancreatic ITPN. However, the determination of an invasive component is essential because malignant transformation affects the prognosis of patients.

Imaging features of intraductal tubulopapillary neoplasm of the pancreas and its differentiation from conventional pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

Intraductal tubulopapillary neoplasms (ITPN) are rare pancreatic tumors (< 1% of exocrine neoplasms) and are considered to have better prognosis than classical pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). The present study aimed to evaluate imaging features of ITPN in computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. We performed monocentric retrospective analysis of 14 patients with histopathologically verified ITPN, operated in 2003–2018. Images were available for 12 patients and were analysed independently by two radiologists, blinded to reports. Imaging features were compared to a matched control group consisting of 43 patients with PDAC, matched for sex and age. Histopathologic analysis showed invasive carcinoma component in all ITPN patients. CT-attenuation values of ITPN were higher in arterial and venous phases (62.3 ± 14.6 HU and 68 ± 15.6 HU) than in unenhanced phase (39.2 ± 7.9 HU), compatible with solid lesion enhancement. Compared to PDAC, ITPN lesions had significantly higher HU-values in both arterial and venous phases (arterial and venous phases, p < 0.001). ITPN were significantly larger than PDAC (4.1 ± 2.0 cm versus 2.6 ± 0.84 cm, p = 0.021). ITPN lesions were more often well-circumscribed (p < 0.002). Employing a multiple logistic regression analysis with forward stepwise method, higher HU density in the arterial phase (p = 0.012) and well-circumscribed lesion margins (p = 0.047) were found to be significant predictors of ITPN versus PDAC. Our study identified key imaging features for differentiation of ITPN and PDAC. Isodensity or moderate hypodensity and well-circumscribed margins favor the diagnosis of ITPN over PDAC. Being familiar with CT-features of these rare pancreatic tumors is essential for radiologists to accelerate the diagnosis and narrow the differentials.

Intraductal tubulopapillary neoplasm (ITPN) of the pancreas: A distinct entity among pancreatic tumors

Aims

Intraductal tubulopapillary neoplasm (ITPN) of the pancreas is a recently recognized pancreatic tumor entity. Here we aimed to determine the most important features with a systematic review coupled with an integrated statistical approach.

Methods and results

PubMed, SCOPUS, and Embase were searched for studies reporting data on pancreatic ITPN. The clinicopathological, immunohistochemical, and molecular data were summarized. Then a comprehensive survival analysis and a comparative analysis of the molecular alterations of ITPN with those of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) from reference cohorts (including the International Cancer Genome Consortium‐ ICGC dataset and The Cancer Genome Atlas, TCGA program) were conducted. The core findings of 128 patients were as follows: (i) Clinicopathological parameters: pancreatic head is the most common site; presence of an associated adenocarcinoma was reported in 60% of cases, but with rare nodal metastasis. (ii) Immunohistochemistry: MUC1 (>90%) and MUC6 (70%) were the most frequently expressed mucins. ITPN lacked the intestinal marker MUC2; unlike IPMN, it did not express MUC5AC. (iii) Molecular landscape: Compared with PDAC/IPMN, the classic pancreatic drivers KRAS, TP53, CDKN2A, SMAD4, GNAS, and RNF43 were less altered in ITPN (P < 0.001), whereas MCL amplifications, FGFR2 fusions, and PI3KCA mutations were commonly altered (P < 0.001). (iv) Survival analysis: ITPN with a “pure” branch duct involvement showed the lowest risk of recurrence.

Conclusion

ITPN is a distinct pancreatic neoplasm with specific clinicopathological and molecular characteristics. Its recognition is fundamental for its clinical/prognostic implications and for the enrichment of potential targets for precision oncology.

Systematic review of resectable intraductal tubulopapillary neoplasm with special reference to recurrence patterns

PURPOSE

Intraductal tubulopapillary neoplasm is a rare pancreatic tumor. The purpose of this study was to clarify the recurrence type and prognosis in recurrent cases after intraductal tubulopapillary neoplasm resection.

METHODS

PubMed was searched for previous reports on surgical resection of intraductal tubulopapillary neoplasm of the pancreas that were published from 2009 to July 2020. The clinical features obtained from these reports were summarized and analyzed.

RESULTS

The clinicopathological data of 35 intraductal tubulopapillary neoplasm cases were obtained. Of these, 21 were males, and 14 were females, with an average age of 57.9 years old. Invasive findings were observed in 21 of 35 patients (60%). Recurrence was observed in 11 of the 35 cases (31.4%), including remnant pancreatic recurrence in 6 cases (17.1%) and liver metastasis in 5 cases (14.3%). The tumor size was significantly larger in the liver metastasis group than in the remnant pancreas recurrence group (P = 0.04), and patients with liver metastases tended to have a poorer prognosis than those with remnant pancreas recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

The recurrence type of intraductal tubulopapillary neoplasm resection was mainly remnant pancreatic recurrence and liver metastasis recurrence. Total pancreatectomy for remnant pancreatic recurrence may be suitable because of its good prognosis.

Intestinal Autotransplantation and In-Situ Resection of Recurrent Pancreatic Head Intraductal Tubulopapillary Neoplasm with Portal Cavernoma: A Case Report

BACKGROUND

Intraductal tubulopapillary neoplasm (ITPN) is a new entity of a rare premalignant pancreatic neoplasia, and a radical curative resection is indicated. As with other tumors of the root of the mesentery, the proximity of the lesion to large splanchnic vessels, abdominal aorta, and inferior vena cava poses major risks of a massive hemorrhage and visceral ischemia using conventional surgical techniques. At times, these lesions are amenable for resection using novel techniques developed from organ transplantation. Multivisceral (allo-) transplantation should be considered when radical resection of a benign tumor is likely to compromise portal flow and possibly precipitate acute liver failure, but it may be associated with a long waitlist time and tumor progression. Autotransplantation offers a safe and curative resection of otherwise inoperable tumors in a bloodless field, an excellent exposure, and prevention of warm ischemic injury to the affected viscera, which are then autotransplanted.

METHODS

We describe the en bloc resection of a large and recurrent ITPN of the pancreas, distal stomach, proximal duodenum, transverse colon, superior mesenteric vein, and portal cavernoma, followed by intestinal autotransplantation.

RESULTS

A complete tumor resection was achieved with negative margins, adequate cold preservation of the reimplanted intestine, and without significant hemorrhage. The patient was discharged from the hospital 10 days later. The histopathologic examination revealed free-margin resection of ITPN with an associated invasive carcinoma. The patient received adjuvant chemotherapy with folinic acid, fluorouracil, and oxaliplatin and remains disease-free 20 months after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Autotransplantation offers curative resection of otherwise unresectable lesions of the root of the mesentery.

Balloon Extraction of an Intraductal Tubulopapillary Neoplasm of the Bile Duct During Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography

Intraductal tubulopapillary neoplasm (ITPN) of the bile duct is a rare type of intraductal neoplasm of the bile duct that has mainly been described in the literature in case reports and small case series. Only within the past decade has ITPN of the bile duct been identified as its own entity and have definitive diagnostic criteria been established. Given its rarity, there is no standard of care for treatment. Here, we describe a case report of biliary ITPN diagnosed in a unique manner.

Total Pancreatectomy with Splenectomy for Multifocal Intraductal Tubulopapillary Neoplasm (ITPN) of the Pancreas Associated with Invasive Component: Report of a Rare Case

Patient: Male, 82-year-old

Final Diagnosis: Pancreatic intraductal tubulopappilary neoplasm (ITPN)

Symptoms: Abdominal pain • anorexia • weakness • weight loss

Medication: Amlodipine 5 mg/valsartan 160 mg • nebivolol 5 mg • metformin 850 mg • pancreatin 25 000 IU

Clinical Procedure: Total pancreatectomy with splenectomy

Specialty: Oncology • Pathology • Radiology • Surgery

Intraductal Tubulopapillary Neoplasm of the Pancreas and Bile Duct: A Review

Intraductal tubulopapillary neoplasms (ITPNs) of the pancreas and bile duct are contemporary entities. It is unclear on how to best manage patients with this diagnosis because little is known about its progression to cancer. This review provides an update on the current knowledge of ITPN of the pancreas and bile duct with an overview of clinical, radiological, histopathological, and molecular features, as well as the prognosis and management. Embase and Medline databases search were performed to identify studies that evaluated ITPN of the pancreas and bile duct. The infrequent exposure to this variant poses a diagnostic challenge. The diagnosis of ITPN is almost always made postoperatively because there are no characteristics on radiological studies to distinguish it from other cystic neoplasms of the pancreas. As ITPN has a favorable prognosis, it is crucial to establish an accurate diagnosis and differentiate it from other pancreatic and biliary variants. These neoplasms are considered to be precursor lesions to carcinomas, hence, surgery and close clinical surveillance are recommended. Further studies are essential to elucidate the natural history of ITPN, guide best treatment strategy and determine disease recurrence and survival.

Intraductal tubulopapillary neoplasm (ITPN) of the pancreas with invasive cancer misdiagnosed as a mesenteric cyst for 12 years: a case report and literature review

INTRODUCTION

An intraductal tubulopapillary neoplasm (ITPN) depicts a distinct entity in the subgroup of premalignant epithelial tumors of the pancreas. Due to the rarity of ITPN, information regarding the disease is currently limited. We present herein a case of pancreatic ITPN with invasive cancer that was misdiagnosed as a mesenteric cyst during a 12-year follow-up period.

CASE REPORT

A 23-year-old female initially presented with an incidental asymptomatic 4-cm retroperitoneal cystic lesion in 2005. For 12 years of surveillance, the lesion remained largely unchanged in size (4-5 cm). In 2017, the cystic lesion was found to have grown to 9 cm. The pre-operative diagnosis was highly suggestive of a benign lesion. However, after total resection of the mass was performed, the final diagnosis was pancreatic ITPN with invasive cancer. The patient recovered uneventfully and is disease-free without recurrence at the time of this report (12 months post-surgery).

CONCLUSION

The clinicopathologic features of ITPN remain unclear due to its rarity, thus making diagnosis difficult. Clinicians should always consider the possibility of ITPN for cystic lesions located at the retroperitoneum near the tail of the pancreas. More data are needed to understand the disease's long-term outcome to identify clinical and radiological features that can be useful for its diagnosis.

Premalignant Lesions of the Biliary Tract

Although the most common presentation of biliary disorder in North America is secondary to gallstone disease, an awareness of benign biliary cystic neoplasms is important because of the risk of malignant transformation. The incidence of premalignant cystic neoplasms of the bile duct is not well characterized and they often are detected incidentally for suspicion of other abdominal disorders. This article describes the 4 most common premalignant biliary cystic neoplasms: biliary mucinous cystic neoplasms, intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms of the bile duct, intraductal tubular papillary neoplasms of the bile duct, and choledochal cysts.

Intraductal tubular papillary neoplasm (ITPN), a novel entity of pancreatic epithelial neoplasms and precursor of cancer: A case report and review of the literature

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Intraductal tubular papillary neoplasm (ITPN) displays a very rare subtype of epithelial neoplasms of the pancreas.

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To date, little is known about ITPN and particularly about pancreatic cancer arising in this tumor entity.

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ITPN reveals a potential of malignant transformation. Radical surgical resection and oncologic follow-up is warranted.

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When compared to ductal adenocarcinoma, patients with ITPN reveal less lymph node metastasis and a better overall survival.

Background

Intraductal tubular papillary neoplasm (ITPN) displays a very rare subtype of epithelial neoplasms of the pancreas. ITPN is characterized by intraductal tubulopapillary growth and cellular dysplasia. In contrast to intraductal papillary neoplasm (IPMN) no overt epithelial mucin production is observed. To date, little is known about ITPN and particularly about pancreatic cancer arising in this tumor entity.

Case presentation

A 68-year-old male presented at our hospital with a distal bile duct occlusion suspicious for adenocarcinoma of the pancreatic head. Preoperative staging revealed no signs of distant metastasis. The patient was surgically explored and pylorus preserving duodenopancreatectomy was performed for a solid pancreatic head tumor. Final histopathology surprisingly revealed an ITPN with an associated invasive carcinoma pT3, pN0 (0/12), R0, G2.

Discussion

Patients with ITPN frequently present with jaundice suspicious for a bile duct stenosis or a malignant tumor of the pancreatic head. Although, it is possible to diagnose ITPN by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreaticography, many tumors are found not before histopathological examination. Differential diagnosis includes ductal adenocarcinoma of the pancreas, neuroendocrine tumors, IPMN, distal bile duct tumors, and solid pseudopapillary neoplasms. Using immunohistochemistry, other entities of pancreatic tumors can be ruled out. In case of R0 resection oncological prognosis is described to be more favorable when compared to regular ductal adenocarcinoma.

Conclusion

ITPN displays a rare entity of pancreatic neoplasms. As shown in the present case report, there is a relevant potential of malignant transformation and therefore radical surgical resection and oncologic follow-up is warranted.

Imaging findings of intraductal tubulopapillary neoplasm (ITPN) of the pancreas: Two case reports and literature review

RATIONALE

Intraductal tubulopapillary neoplasm (ITPN) is a rare type of pancreatic epithelial neoplasm. We report 2 cases of ITPN and detail the imaging findings.

PATIENT CONCERNS

The 1st case was a 36-year-old woman who complained of jaundice, yellow urine and diarrhea. She accepted ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination before surgery, which all revealed a mass in the pancreatic head. The 2nd case was a 62-year-old woman who was admitted to our hospital for the treatment of a pancreatic tumor. The MRI showed a mass filled the mian pancreatic duct in the head and neck.

DIAGNOSIS

The ITPN is an intraductal, grossly visible, tubule-forming epithelial neoplasm with high-grade dysplasia and ductal differentiation without overt mucin production.

INTERVENTIONS

The 1st patient received percutaneous transhepatic cholangial drainage procedure, endoscopic ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration, pancreatoduodenectomy, cholecystectomy, and lymphadenectomy successively. The 2nd patient received pancreaticoduodenectomy, cholecystectomy, and partial gastrectomy.

OUTCOMES

Two months after surgery, the follow-up MRI revealed hepatic metastasis of the 1st patient. She is still alive now. The 2nd patient was lost to follow-up.

LESSONS

The ITPN is a rare pancreatic neoplasm and its clinical symptoms are atypical. It is difficult to make accurate diagnosis of ITPN before surgery even though various imaging modalities are used in combination. When a solid mass growing in the lumen of the pancreatic duct, ITPN should be taken into consideration.

An extremely rare case who underwent total remnant pancreatectomy due to recurrent pancreatic metastasis of intraductal tubulopapillary neoplasm

We describe a rare case of recurrent pancreatic metastasis of intraductal tubulopapillary neoplasm (ITPN). A 53-year-old woman diagnosed with an intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) and a pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) of the pancreatic body underwent a distal pancreatectomy. The tumor was composed of cuboidal, high-grade dysplastic cells proliferating in a tubulopapillary growth pattern without mucin production; hence, the final diagnosis was ITPN. A follow-up computed tomography scan revealed an enhanced 2 cm mass of the pancreatic head 3 years after the surgery. From workup investigations, the patient was diagnosed with PDAC or a recurrent ITPN of the remnant pancreas. A total remnant pancreatectomy was then performed. Histopathological findings revealed that the new ITPN had the same features as the prior ITPN. In IPMNs, the presence of an invasive component and high-grade dysplasia can lead to progression to a recurring IPMN and the development of PDAC. Because there have been few reports of recurrent ITPN developing into PDAC, the risk factors for ITPN have not been investigated. Because of the uncertain clinicopathological characteristics of ITPN, more data should be gathered to assess the long-term outcome and malignant potential of ITPN.