Congenital pancreatic cyst arising from occlusion of the pancreatic duct

Abstract

Congenital pancreatic cysts, particularly solitary cysts, are rare causes of abdominal masses in newborns. The etiology of these cysts is unknown and they can vary in location within the pancreas. We present a novel case of an infant with a solitary congenital cyst of the pancreatic duct, itself, as a result of occlusion of the pancreatic duct. Solitary congenital pancreatic cysts are a rare cause of abdominal masses in infants. We recently evaluated a 7-week-old infant with progressive abdominal distension since birth. This child was found to have a large solitary pancreatic cyst. This cyst resulted from occlusion of the main pancreatic duct at the level of the ampulla resulting in cystic degeneration of the pancreatic duct. Based on our review of the literature we believe this is the first documented case of such a cyst.

Congenital Pancreatic Cyst

“…In our first patient, the cyst was attached to the body of the pancreas by a stalk of tissue representing the communication to the pancreatic ductal system, whereas in our second patient, the site of attachment to the pancreas was broad, involving the head and part of the body of the pancreas. There are also reports of congenital pancreatic cyst arising from occlusion of the pancreatic duct (8). Congenital pancreatic cysts are extremely rare and generally asymptomatic, but they can attain a large size as in our 2 patients, leading to abdominal distension.…”

Neonatal congenital pancreatic cyst: diagnosis and management

“…Clinically, the patient in this report initially presented with signs of pancreatitis, which is rarely reported in cases with pancreas cysts; frequently because normal levels of amylase and lipase have been described [2], and only some exceptions reported [3][4][5]. Although it is unclear, it is speculated that pancreatitis in these cases results either from congenital anomalies of the duct system [6] or from visceral compression by the cyst [4].…”

“…Although it is unclear, it is speculated that pancreatitis in these cases results either from congenital anomalies of the duct system [6] or from visceral compression by the cyst [4].…”

Neonatal Congenital Pancreatic Cyst: A Report of Three Cases

“…Pancreatitis results either from congenital anomalies of the duct system or from visceral compression by the cyst [4,12]. To our knowledge, we report the first case of prenatal CPC complicated by liver cirrhosis due to chronic cholestasis which can be explained by compression of the biliary system.…”