Multicentric solid pseudopapillary neoplasms of the pancreas diagnosed by endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration: a case report

Abstract

Solid pseudopapillary neoplasm (SPN) of the pancreas is a rare tumor. This neoplasm usually arises as a single mass; multicentricity is exceptionally rare. We report the preoperative diagnosis of multicentric SPNs by endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA). A 32-year-old woman presented to the hospital with a pancreatic tumor that was detected on abdominal echography. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) scans revealed a 5-mm low-density mass in the body of the pancreas and a 10-mm mass in the tail of the pancreas. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) also revealed two tumors in the body and tail of the pancreas. On endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS), two indistinct and heterogeneous echogenic masses were found, and EUS-FNA was performed for each of these tumors. Cytological analysis revealed that the two masses were highly cellular with papillary groups of small, uniform, oval cells surrounding a fibrovascular core. Immunohistochemistry was positive for α-1 antitrypsin, vimentin, neuron-specific enolase (NSE), CD10, and progesterone receptor. These features confirmed the preoperative diagnosis of multicentric SPNs. The patient underwent laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy. The final pathologic diagnosis was multicentric SPNs. During 2 years of follow-up, she has not developed any recurrence.