Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasm (IPMN) as a Cause of Acute Pancreatitis

Abstract

Acute pancreatitis is common in the field of abdominal emergencies. There are several reports regarding intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) of the pancreas with a history of acute pancreatitis. IPMNs have a broad spectrum ranging from adenoma to borderline, and then to carcinoma. We analyzed the clinicopathological features of IPMNs resected at our department due to acute pancreatitis. Among 126 IPMNs resected, 16 (12.7%) had a history of acute pancreatitis. The IPMNs with a history of acute pancreatitis had a significantly higher frequency of carcinoma (IPMC) and intestinal type of subclassification. Intestinal type IPMN has been reported to be associated with colloid carcinoma and, therefore, hypersecretion of mucin might cause obstruction of the pancreatic duct and subsequent acute pancreatitis. Physicians should pay attention to the existence of IPMN as a cause of acute pancreatitis.