Pancreatic tumor of an autoimmune origin

Abstract

A 64-year-old male patient with a pancreatic tumor of unknown origin and retroperitoneal fibrosis was admitted to our department because of severe abdominal pain with ileum symptoms lasting 2 days. The patient's complaints included periodic, progressing abdominal pain, loss of appetite, weight reduction (20 kg within 7 months), and eye dryness. The pancreatic tumor was diagnosed in February 2013 after 5 pancreatic biopsies had been performed. Histopathological findings revealed inflammatory cells but not cancer cells. On admission, the patient presented with cachexia (body mass index, 19 kg/m 2 ), dehydration, diffuse abdominal pain, and lack of bowel movements. The Blumberg's sign was negative. Abdominal X-rays showed distended intestinal loops with fluid levels. A routine laboratory test revealed a decreased hemoglobin level (8.5 g/dl),