Autoimmune Pancreatitis Type 2: Disentangling a Rare Entity of Obstructive Jaundice

Abstract

Autoimmune Pancreatitis (AIP) can be a clinical challenge in diagnosis and treatment. It often presents with painless obstructive jaundice, which mimics pancreatic cancer. Surgical treatment is not recommended in the management of AIP. However, there are cases of AIP that were diagnosed after surgical resection, due to suspicion of malignancy. Improvement in radiological imaging modalities, offer an accurate diagnosis. We hereby present the case of a 52-year-old female patient with obstructive jaundice who was diagnosed with AIP Type 2, after a meticulous diagnostic workup. The response to high doses of corticosteroids prevented her from unnecessary surgery. Her symptoms were alleviated by biliary stenting.

Keywords

• corticosteroid therapy
• idiopathic pancreatitis
• immunoglobulin g4
• lymphoplasmacytic sclerosing