A Case of a gastropancreatic fistula in the setting of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms

Abstract

Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMN) are mucin producing tumors which arise from epithelial cells of the main pancreatic duct, pancreatic branch ducts, or both. They are characterized by mucin-producing columnar cells, papillary ductal proliferation, cyst formation, and varying degrees of dysplasia. IPMNs are classified as main duct or branch duct based upon the pancreatic duct anatomy which the IPMN is arising from. Additionally, they can be classified based on their histologic subtypes, which carry varying associations with dysplasia and/or malignancy. Many patients have incidentally identified IPMNs, which are asymptomatic. However, patients may also present with pancreatitis, elevation of liver enzymes, dilation of the pancreatic duct or bile duct as well as distention of the ampullary pancreatic orifice(s), due to impaction and obstruction with mucus. This is known as an endoscopically visualized “fish eye” sign. Patients may also develop exocrine and endocrine pancreatic insufficiency and maldigestion. Some studies also suggest that patients with IPMNs may also be at increased risk for gastric, colorectal, biliary, renal cell, and thyroid malignancies. Rarely, IPMNs can be complicated by fistulation between the main pancreatic duct and neighboring organs. Herein, we present an unusual case of simultaneous fistulation to both the gastric body and the duodenum.

Keywords

• Pancreatic fistula
• IPMN
• Upper gastrointestinal bleed
• Mucinous tumor
• Papillary neoplasm