A unique case of ectopic pancreas presenting as jejunal malignance

Abstract

Ectopic pancreas is defined as pancreatic tissues having no anatomic or vascular connections with the orthotopic pancreas. It is difficult for clinicians to diagnose this disease without performing a histopathological examination because it lacks specific clinical manifestations. This case report is of a 46-year-old woman who presented with epigastric pain. She had elevated serum levels of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and carbohydrate antigen 72-4 (CA72-4). Abdominal contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) revealed a persistently enhanced mass in the proximal jejunum, which was confirmed as ectopic pancreas via histopathological examination. Her serum CEA and CA72-4 levels were restored to normal ranges after resecting the jejunal ectopic pancreas. This is the first reported case of ectopic pancreas causing an elevation in serum CEA and CA-724 levels; this report supports the metaplasia theory and suggests that jejunal masses should be cautiously diagnosed for avoiding unnecessary concerns among patients and their families.

Jejunal Ectopic Pancreatic Tissue Rest as Lead Point in Patients with Intussusception: A Rare Case Report and Review of Literature

“…8 Jejunal ectopic pancreas is rare. [1][2][3][7][8][9] This report highlights a 37-year-old female with jejunal ectopic pancreas.…”

“…[2][3][4][5][6] Heterotopic pancreas (HP) spans various age groups, prevalent between 30 and 60 years. [7][8][9] Gastric lesions may cause epigastric pain or gastric outlet obstruction, while rare jejunal lesions can lead to intestinal obstruction or intussusception. [1][2][3][7][8][9] Diagnostic challenges arise from nonspecific symptoms, small lesion size, and deep submucosal location hindering pathological biopsy.…”

“…[7][8][9] Gastric lesions may cause epigastric pain or gastric outlet obstruction, while rare jejunal lesions can lead to intestinal obstruction or intussusception. [1][2][3][7][8][9] Diagnostic challenges arise from nonspecific symptoms, small lesion size, and deep submucosal location hindering pathological biopsy. 8 Biochemical markers for HP are generally unavailable.…”

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma in colonic wall: metastatic disease or cancerized pancreatic ectopic tissue?

“…Among few cases reported in literature, the most frequent occurrences of ductal adenocarcinoma from ectopic pancreatic tissue included mainly the stomach [5]. It is rare in the duodenum and jejunum: only 23 cases have been described in literature [1,5,6]. It is even rarer in the mesocolon or rectum wall [5][6][7].…”

“…It is rare in the duodenum and jejunum: only 23 cases have been described in literature [1,5,6]. It is even rarer in the mesocolon or rectum wall [5][6][7]. In all cases, the diagnosis was rendered based on combined CT scan images and microscopic features.…”