Mass-forming focal-type autoimmune pancreatitis difficult to differentiate from pancreatic cancer / 대한내과학회지

ABSTRACT

Autoimmune chronic pancreatitis (AIP) typically manifests as diffuse pancreatic swelling and diffuse irregular narrowing of the main pancreatic duct. Recently, mass-forming focal-type AIP, which shows focal pancreatic swelling with mass and focal narrowing of the main pancreatic duct, has been reported. Since this type of AIP is difficult to differentiate from pancreatic cancer, the greater part of these cases have been treated surgically, with the diagnosis confirmed thereafter. Here we report a case of mass-forming focal-type AIP detected in the head of the pancreas; it has been successfully treated with steroids.