Pathognomonic Signs in Pancreatic Cystic Lesions: What Gastroenterologists and Involved Clinicians Need to Know

Abstract

Pancreatic cystic lesions (PCLs) have been increasingly identified in recent years, encompassing a wide spectrum ranging from benign non-evolutive to malignant invasive lesions. Despite various clinical, laboratory, imaging, endoscopic ultrasound, and cytohistological features that may aid clinicians in the complex differential diagnosis of PCLs, only a few pathognomic signs distinctive to specific PCLs have been identified. Although rarely encountered, their proper recognition is crucial for the appropriate management of PCLs. The aim of our review is to extensively discuss and illustrate pathognomic signs in the setting of PCLs.

Keywords

• pancreatic cystic lesions
• intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm
• mucinous cystic neoplasm
• serous cystic neoplasm (SCN)
• cystic lymphangioma
• endoscopic ultrasound