Clinical and imaging features of autoimmune pancreatitis with focal pancreatic swelling or mass formation: comparison with so-called tumor-forming pancreatitis and pancreatic carcinoma

Autoimmune pancreatitis: Cornerstones and future perspectives

Autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) is an autoimmune subtype of chronic pancreatitis resulting from the aberrant immune response against the pancreas, leading to inflammation and fibrosis. Although AIP is rare, its incidence is increasing and is often misdiagnosed as other pancreatic diseases. AIP is commonly classified into two types. Type 1 AIP (AIP-1) is typically associated with elevated serum immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4) levels and systemic manifestations, while type 2 AIP is typically a more localized form of the disease, and may coexist with other autoimmune disorders, especially inflammatory bowel diseases. Additionally, there is emerging recognition of a third type (type 3 AIP), which refers to immunotherapy-triggered AIP, although this classification is still gaining acceptance in medical literature. The clinical manifestations of AIP mainly include painless jaundice and weight loss. Elevated serum IgG4 levels are particularly characteristic of AIP-1. Diagnosis relies on a combination of clinical, laboratory, radiological, and histological findings, given the similarity of AIP symptoms to other pancreatic disorders. The mainstay of treatment for AIP is steroid therapy, which is effective in most cases. Severe cases might require additional imm-unosuppressive agents. This review aims to summarize the current knowledge of AIP, encompassing its epidemiology, etiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment options. We also address the challenges and controversies in diagnosing and treating AIP, such as distinguishing it from pancreatic cancer and managing long-term treatment, highlighting the need for increased awareness and knowledge of this complex disease.

IgG4-related disorders of the gastrointestinal tract: Experience from a tertiary care centre with systematic review of Indian literature

INTRODUCTION

IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is a rare disease entity in India. We aimed at studying the clinical profile of IgG4-RD of gastrointestinal tract (GIT) from our centre, while systematically reviewing data from India.

METHODS

Retrospective review of IgG4-RD of GIT was done using electronic medical records between January 2013 and July 2022. Literature search was done for studies of IgG4-RD of the GIT reported from India from 2000 till January 2023. Case series, case reports of IgG4-RD of GIT and case reports describing GIT with multi-organ involvement were included in the review. Primary outcome measure was response to treatment. Secondary outcome measure was relapse after remission.

RESULTS

Thirty-one patients were included with 71% (22/31) having autoimmune pancreatitis. The diagnosis was achieved on surgical specimen in 35% (11/31) patients. Steroid was given to 64% (20/31) patients with remission achieved in 70% (14/20) patients. Four patients exhibitted response to prolonged course of steroids with maintenance azathioprine. Relapse was seen in four (20%) patients who achieved remission. Of 731 articles screened, 48 studies (four case series and 44 case reports) were included in the literature review. Of 95 patients described, steroids were given to 65.2% (62/95), while surgery was done in 33.6% (32/95). Remission was seen in 96.6% (85/88) with relapse occurring in 11.4% (10/88) patients on follow-up.

CONCLUSION

One-third patients of IgG4-RD of GIT are diagnosed after surgery. Response to steroids is good with relapse occurring in up to 12% patients.

Pancreatic cancer, autoimmune or chronic pancreatitis, beyond tissue diagnosis: Collateral imaging and clinical characteristics may differentiate them

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most lethal malignancies and is developing into the 2^nd leading cause of cancer-related death. Often, the clinical and radiological presentation of PDAC may be mirrored by other inflammatory pancreatic masses, such as autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) and mass-forming chronic pancreatitis (MFCP), making its diagnosis challenging. Differentiating AIP and MFCP from PDAC is vital due to significant therapeutic and prognostic implications. Current diagnostic criteria and tools allow the precise differentiation of benign from malignant masses; however, the diagnostic accuracy is imperfect. Major pancreatic resections have been performed in AIP cases under initial suspicion of PDAC after a diagnostic approach failed to provide an accurate diagnosis. It is not unusual that after a thorough diagnostic evaluation, the clinician is confronted with a pancreatic mass with uncertain diagnosis. In those cases, a re-evaluation must be entertained, preferably by an experienced multispecialty team including radiologists, pathologists, gastroenterologists, and surgeons, looking for disease-specific clinical, imaging, and histological hallmarks or collateral evidence that could favor a specific diagnosis. Our aim is to describe current diagnostic limitations that hinder our ability to reach an accurate diagnosis among AIP, PDAC, and MFCP and to highlight those disease-specific clinical, radiological, serological, and histological characteristics that could support the presence of any of these three disorders when facing a pancreatic mass with uncertain diagnosis after an initial diagnostic approach has been unsuccessful.

Diffuse-Type Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Mimicking Autoimmune Pancreatitis

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) classically presents as a solitary mass on cross-sectional imaging. Diffuse-type PDAC is an unusual variant that accounts for 1%-5% of PDACs. Owing to its rarity, there are no established radiographic or endosonographic definitions. We report a unique case of diffuse-type PDAC presenting with imaging findings of 2 distinct masses in the pancreatic head and tail and with endoscopic ultrasound findings of diffuse gland enlargement mimicking autoimmune pancreatitis. The case illustrates the importance of sampling several areas of the pancreas when diffuse enlargement is present on endoscopic ultrasound and multiple masses are seen on cross-sectional imaging.

The effect of CT texture-based analysis using machine learning approaches on radiologists' performance in differentiating focal-type autoimmune pancreatitis and pancreatic duct carcinoma

PURPOSE

To develop a support vector machine (SVM) classifier using CT texture-based analysis in differentiating focal-type autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) and pancreatic duct carcinoma (PD), and to assess the radiologists' diagnostic performance with or without SVM.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective study included 50 patients (20 patients with focal-type AIP and 30 patients with PD) who underwent dynamic contrast-enhanced CT. Sixty-two CT texture-based features were extracted from 2D images of the arterial and portal phase CTs. We conducted data compression and feature selections using principal component analysis (PCA) and produced the SVM classifier. Four readers participated in this observer performance study and the statistical significance of differences with and without the SVM was assessed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis.

RESULTS

The SVM performance indicated a high performance in differentiating focal-type AIP and PD (AUC = 0.920). The AUC for all 4 readers increased significantly from 0.827 to 0.911 when using the SVM outputs (p = 0.010). The AUC for inexperienced readers increased significantly from 0.781 to 0.905 when using the SVM outputs (p = 0.310). The AUC for experienced readers increased from 0.875 to 0.912 when using the SVM outputs, however, there was no significant difference (p = 0.018).

CONCLUSION

The use of SVM classifier using CT texture-based features improved the diagnostic performance for differentiating focal-type AIP and PD on CT.

Mass-Forming Chronic Pancreatitis: Diagnostic Performance of PET/CT

Mass-forming chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma are most commonly located in the head of pancreas, and there is a marked overlap in clinical features and imaging findings that makes it diagnostically challenging, although prognosis and management of both these entities differ. Differentiation is made even more difficult when surgical exploratory biopsy is obtained. Radical surgical resection remains the standard of care for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and conservative treatment is effective for mass-forming chronic pancreatitis. Misdiagnosis of mass-forming chronic pancreatitis as pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma results in unnecessary surgical intervention, and misdiagnosis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma as mass-forming chronic pancreatitis results in delay in surgical intervention when required. Fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography/computed tomography can reliably be used for tissue characterization of mass-forming chronic pancreatitis and for monitoring disease response following treatment. Although differentiation of mass-like lesions of pancreas is reliably made on histopathology, significant false-negative rate is a major drawback that has a negative effect on diagnosis. This case report describes a rare presentation of mass-forming chronic pancreatitis with florid dystrophic calcifications in a 60-year-old male.

Clinical Characteristics of ICI-Related Pancreatitis and Cholangitis Including Radiographic and Endoscopic Findings

The indications for immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have expanded to include carcinomas of various organs. However, as ICI therapy expands, the management of immune-related adverse events (irAEs) has become a problem. ICI-related pancreatitis and cholangitis are relatively rare irAEs. Although some patients with ICI-related pancreatitis and cholangitis are asymptomatic and do not require treatment, there have been reports of patients who did not respond to immunosuppressive therapy and died. Thus, the pathogenesis of ICI-related pancreatitis and cholangitis should be clarified immediately. Currently, the role of endoscopy in the diagnosis and treatment of inflammatory pancreatic and biliary duct diseases is becoming increasingly important. In this review, we summarize clinical characteristics as well as radiographic and endoscopic findings of ICI-related pancreatitis and cholangitis.

Amendment of the Japanese consensus guidelines for autoimmune pancreatitis, 2020

In response to the latest knowledge and the amendment of the Japanese diagnostic criteria for autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) in 2018, the Japanese consensus guidelines for managing AIP in 2013 were required to be revised. Three committees [the professional committee for developing clinical questions (CQs) and statements by Japanese specialists; the expert panelist committee for rating statements by the modified Delphi method; and the evaluating committee of moderators] were organized. Twenty specialists in AIP extracted the specific clinical statements from a total of 5218 articles (1963-2019) from a search in PubMed and the Cochrane Library. The professional committee made 14, 9, 5, and 11 CQs and statements for the current concept and diagnosis, extra-pancreatic lesions, differential diagnosis, and treatment, respectively. The expert panelists regarded the statements as valid after a two-round modified Delphi approach with individually rating these clinical statements, in which a clinical statement receiving a median score greater than 7 on a 9-point scale from the panel was regarded as valid. After evaluation by the moderators, the amendment of the Japanese consensus guidelines for AIP has been proposed in 2020.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and intraductal ultrasonography in the diagnosis of autoimmune pancreatitis and IgG4-related sclerosing cholangitis

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography is used to evaluate the narrowing of the main pancreatic duct in autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) and biliary stricture in IgG4-related sclerosing cholangitis (IgG4-SC). Intraductal ultrasonography enables detailed visualization of the thickening of the bile duct wall in IgG4-SC. Pancreatic cancer, cholangiocarcinoma, and primary sclerosing cholangitis are important mimicking conditions of AIP and IgG4-SC. Diffuse or segmental stricture without marked upstream dilatation is a typical pancreatographic finding in AIP. By contrast, a single, short stricture with marked upstream dilatation is a typical finding in pancreatic cancer. The cholangiogram of IgG4-SC is classified into four types based on biliary stricture location, and this cholangiogram classification is useful for the differential diagnosis of IgG4-SC. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography can be used to distinguish between IgG4-SC and primary sclerosing cholangitis. A segmental/long and intrapancreatic stricture is a characteristic finding of IgG4-SC, whereas band-like strictures, a beaded or pruned-tree appearance, and diverticulum-like outpouching are characteristic of primary sclerosing cholangitis. The characteristic intraductal ultrasonographic findings of circular-symmetrical wall thickening, smooth outer and inner margins, and homogeneous internal echo at the biliary stricture site are useful for diagnosis of IgG4-SC. Thickening of the bile duct wall at non-stricture sites is also a typical intraductal ultrasonographic finding of IgG4-SC and can be used for differential diagnosis from cholangiocarcinoma. Transpapillary bile duct and duodenal papilla biopsy during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography are also useful in the diagnosis of IgG4-SC.

Mass Mimicking Autoimmune Pancreatitis—A Report of Two Cases and Review of Literature

Autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) consists of two clinically histologically distinct forms (type I and II) of chronic pancreatitis that are histologically different. These forms of AIP classically respond to oral steroids. The focal form of AIP resembles pancreatic carcinoma both clinically and radiologically and it is of utmost importance to make an early correct diagnosis between these two diseases in order to identify the optimal therapeutic strategy and to avoid unnecessary laparotomy or pancreatic resection in AIP patients. Here we report focal forms of type I and II AIP with clinical and imaging features closely mimicking pancreatic carcinoma.

Focal Autoimmune Pancreatitis: A Simple Flow Chart for a Challenging Diagnosis

Autoimmune pancreatitis is a chronic fibroinflammatory autoimmune mediated disease of the pancreas. Clinically, obstructive painless jaundice and upper abdominal pain are the main symptoms. Focal AIP is characterized by segmental involvement of pancreatic parenchyma and it is often radiologically represented by a pancreatic mass. In these cases, the diagnosis can be very challenging, since it may be easily confused with pancreatic cancer. Therefore, we suggest a combined approach of imaging tests as the diagnostic workup. EUS study combined with CEUS and elastography, if available, increases the accuracy of the method to rule out cancer. Moreover, the lesion should always be sampled under EUS guidance to obtain a cyto/histological diagnosis. The diagnostic workup should also include the use of diagnostic clinical criteria (extrapancreatic lesions, steroid response) and laboratory findings (CA 19.9 and IgG4 evaluations).

Imaging diagnosis of autoimmune pancreatitis: computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging

Autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) is a pancreatic phenotype of IgG4-related systemic disease. Since its first description in the literature, characteristic imaging features have gradually become known to many clinicians encompassing various specialties in the past quarter century. CT and MRI have been the workhorses for imaging diagnosis of AIP. Typical features include sausage-like swelling of the focal or entire pancreas, duct-penetrating sign, a capsule-like rim of the affected lesions, and homogeneous delayed enhancement or enhanced duct sign after contrast administration, as well as characteristic combined findings reflecting coexisting pathologies in the other organs as a systemic disease. In this review, recent and future developments in CT and MRI that may help diagnose AIP are discussed, including restricted diffusion and perfusion and increased elasticity measured using MR.

The Diagnosis of Autoimmune Pancreatitis Using Endoscopic Ultrasonography

Autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) is characterized by enlargement of the pancreas and irregular narrowing of the main pancreatic duct. It is often associated with IgG4-related sclerosing cholangitis (IgG4-SC), in which the bile duct narrows. Although characteristic irregular narrowing of the pancreatic duct caused by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography is noted in AIP, it is difficult to differentiate between localized AIP and pancreatic carcinoma based on imaging of the pancreatic duct. While stenosis of the bile duct in IgG4-SC is characterized by longer-length stenosis than in cholangiocarcinoma, differentiation based on bile duct imaging alone is challenging. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) can characterize hypoechoic enlargement of the pancreas or bile duct wall thickening in AIP and IgG4-SC, and diagnosis using elastography and contrast-enhanced EUS are being evaluated. The utility of EUS-guided fine needle aspiration for the histological diagnosis of AIP has been reported and is expected to improve diagnostic performance for AIP. Findings in the bile duct wall from endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography followed by intraductal ultrasonography are useful in differentiating IgG4-SC from cholangiocarcinoma. Diagnoses based on endoscopic ultrasonography play a central role in the diagnosis of AIP.

Meta-analysis of CT and MRI for differentiation of autoimmune pancreatitis from pancreatic adenocarcinoma

OBJECTIVES

To systematically determine the diagnostic performance of computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for differentiating autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) from pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), with a comparison between the two imaging modalities.

METHODS

Literature search was conducted using PubMed and EMBASE databases to identify original articles published between 2009 and 2019 reporting the diagnostic performance of CT and MRI for differentiating AIP from PDAC. The meta-analytic sensitivity and specificity of CT and MRI were calculated, and compared using a bivariate random effects model. Subgroup analysis for differentiating focal AIP from PDAC was performed.

RESULTS

Of the 856 articles screened, 11 eligible articles are remained, i.e., five studies for CT, four for MRI, and two for both. The meta-analytic summary sensitivity and specificity of CT were 59% (95% confidence interval [CI], 41-75%) and 99% (95% CI, 88-100%), respectively, while those of MRI were 84% (95% CI, 68-93%) and 97% (95% CI, 87-99%). MRI had a significantly higher meta-analytic summary sensitivity than CT (84% vs. 59%, p = 0.02) but a similar specificity (97% vs. 99%, p = 0.18). In the subgroup analysis for focal AIP, the sensitivity for distinguishing between focal AIP and PDAC was lower than that for the overall analysis. MRI had a higher sensitivity than CT (76% vs. 50%, p = 0.28) but a similar specificity (97% vs. 98%, p = 0.07).

CONCLUSION

MRI might be clinically more useful to evaluate patients with AIP, particularly for differentiating AIP from PDAC.

KEY POINTS

• MRI had an overall good diagnostic performance to differentiate AIP from PDAC with a meta-analytic summary estimate of 83% for sensitivity and of 97% for specificity. • CT had a very high specificity (99%), but a suboptimal sensitivity (59%) for differentiating AIP from PDAC. • Compared with CT, MRI had a higher sensitivity, but a similar specificity.

Mass-forming pancreatitis versus pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: CT and MR imaging for differentiation

Various inflammatory abnormalities of the pancreas can mimic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) at cross-sectional imaging. Misdiagnosis of PDAC at imaging may lead to unnecessary surgery. On the other hand, chronic pancreatitis (CP) bears a greater risk of developing PDAC during the course of the disease. Thus, differentiation between mass-forming chronic pancreatitis (MFCP) and PDAC is important to avoid unnecessary surgery and not to delay surgery of synchronous PDAC in CP.

Imaging features such as the morphology of the mass including displacement of calcifications, presence of duct penetrating, sign appearance of duct stricturing, presence or absence of vessel encasement, apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value and intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) at diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake in PET/CT, and mass perfusion parameters can help to differentiate between PDAC and MFCP. Correct interpretation of imaging features can appropriately guide biopsy and surgery, if necessary. This review summarizes the relevant computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features that can help the radiologist to come to a confident diagnosis and to guide further management in equivocal cases.

Differentiation of focal autoimmune pancreatitis from pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

Autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) is an inflammatory process of the pancreas that occurs most commonly in elderly males and clinically can mimic pancreatic adenocarcinoma and present with jaundice, weight loss, and abdominal pain. Mass-forming lesions in the pancreas are seen in the focal form of AIP and both clinical and imaging findings can overlap those of pancreatic cancer. The accurate distinction of AIP from pancreatic cancer is of utmost importance as it means avoiding unnecessary surgery in AIP cases or inaccurate steroid treatment in patients with pancreatic cancer. Imaging concomitantly with serological examinations (IgG4 and Ca 19-9) plays an important role in the distinction between these entities. Characteristic extra-pancreatic manifestations as well as favorable good response to treatment with steroids are characteristic of AIP. This paper will review current diagnostic parameters useful in differentiating between focal AIP and pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

Diagnostic imaging guide for autoimmune pancreatitis

The International Consensus Diagnosis Criteria for autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) has been published internationally for the diagnosis of AIP. However, since the revisions in 2006 and 2011, the Clinical Diagnostic Criteria for Autoimmune Pancreatitis 2018 have been published. The criteria were revised based the Clinical Diagnostic Criteria 2011, and included descriptions of characteristic imaging findings such as (1) pancreatic enlargement and (2) distinctive narrowing of the main pancreatic duct. In addition, pancreatic duct images obtained by magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography as well as conventional endoscopic retrograde pancreatography were newly adopted. The guideline explains some characteristic imaging findings, but does not contain descriptions of the imaging methods, such as detailed imaging parameters and optimal timings of dynamic contrast-enhanced computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging. It is a matter of concern that imaging methods can vary from hospital to hospital. Although other characteristic findings have been reported, these findings were not described in the guideline. The present paper describes the imaging methods for obtaining optimal images and the characteristic imaging findings with the aim of standardizing image quality and improving diagnostic accuracy when radiologists diagnose AIP in actual clinical settings.

Non-neoplastic hepatopancreatobiliary lesions simulating malignancy: can we differentiate?

Despite the success of cross-sectional imaging in evaluating hepatopancreatobiliary system malignancies, several non-malignant disease processes may closely mimic malignancy. Differentiating these benign diseases from malignancy may be difficult, or even impossible, even in the hands of experienced imagers. In this manuscript, we present benign mimics involving the hepatopancreatobiliary system and try to increase awareness of these potential pitfalls.

A feasible CT feature to differentiate focal-type autoimmune pancreatitis from pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

To investigate whether the relative computed tomography (CT) value (rCT) of adjacent pancreatic parenchyma can distinguish focal-type autoimmune pancreatitis (fAIP) from pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).

METHODS

A total of 13 patients with fAIP and 20 patients with PDAC were included in this study. The rCT was calculated as the ratio of the CT value of adjacent pancreatic parenchyma to that of muscle. The diagnostic performance of rCT for discriminating fAIP from PDAC was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis.

RESULTS

Both fAIP and PDAC presented hyper-fibrosis histologically and delayed enhancement on CT examination. Moreover, the pancreatic parenchyma of fAIP presented serious inflammation. The mean rCT of the parenchyma was significantly lower in fAIP than in PDAC in all phases. The best diagnostic performance of the rCT value was found in the pancreatic phase, with an area under the ROC curve of 0.912, while the areas under the ROC curve of the portal and delayed phases were 0.812 and 0.754, respectively. The optimal cut-off value for distinguishing fAIP from PDAC was 1.62 in the pancreatic phase.

CONCLUSIONS

The rCT of the pancreatic parenchyma during the pancreatic phase may be a feasible CT feature for differentiating fAIP from PDAC.

Autoimmune pancreatitis masquerading as carcinoma head of pancreas: A case report and review of literature

Introduction

Autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) is a rare form of chronic inflammatory pancreatic disease secondary to an underlying autoimmune mechanism. It is now considered as pancreatic manifestation of IgG4 related disease, which is a multisystem disease.

Case report

We are reporting a patient who presented with obstructive jaundice and mass head of pancreas on Computed Tomography (CT) scan. Considering a strong clinical suspicion of pancreatic cancer, Whipple procedure was done. Histopathological report revealed intense lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate and fibrosis with collagenisation, so possibility of AIP was suggested. Serum IgG4 levels were advised and found to be increased. Diagnosis of AIP was made and patient responded to steroids.

Discussion

Pre-operative core biopsy of the pancreas and Serum IgG4 levels are sufficient to make the diagnosis and resection is usually not recommended in AIP.

Conclusion

Awareness of the entity and use of ancillary techniques in making the pre-operative diagnosis could have saved the patient from an extensive surgical procedure.

•

Autoimmune Pancreatitis is a pancreatic manifestation of IgG4 related disorders.

•

It can clinically and radiologically present as pancreatic malignancy.

•

Resection is not required in Autoimmune Pancreatitis.

•

Pre-operative investigations can save the patient from morbidity due to Whipples.

•

Whipples procedure is undesired in these patients.

•

This entity should be kept in mind while dealing with mass lesions in head of pancreas.

Usefulness of non-contrast MR imaging in distinguishing pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma from focal pancreatitis

BACKGROUND

Accurate differentiation between pancreatic adenocarcinoma and focal pancreatitis is challenging.

PURPOSE

To investigate the usefulness of non-contrast MRI by comparing with multidetector row CT (MDCT) and gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI in the discrimination of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and focal pancreatitis (FP).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective study included 187 patients (116 with PDACs and 71 with FP) who underwent gadoxetic acid-MRI and MDCT prior to surgical resection or biopsy. The MRI features of PDAC and FP were compared by two radiologists. Then, two observers independently reviewed the three imaging sets: MDCT, non-contrast MRI (T1-, T2-weighted, and diffusion-weighted images), and MRI with and without gadoxetic acid to determine the diagnostic performances of each imaging modality in the discrimination of PDAC and FP.

RESULTS

The significant features on non-contrast MRI for diagnosis of PDAC included peritumoral cyst, pancreatic duct cut-off, clear hypointensity on T1WI, and bile duct dilatation (P < 0.05). Presence of peritumoural cyst showed the highest odds ratio for predicting PDAC. Non-contrast MRI was superior to MDCT in differentiating PDAC from FP with regard to accuracy (84.5% vs 95.5% for observer 1; 85.8% vs. 96.0% for observer 2), sensitivity (83.6% vs. 98.3%; 84.5% vs 97.8%), and negative predictive value (76.3% vs. 97.0%; 77.6% vs 96.4%) (P < 0.05). We found similar diagnostic values between the non-contrast MRI and MRI with and without contrast (P > 0.05) for both observers.

CONCLUSION

Non-contrast MRI is better than MDCT and comparable to MRI with and without gadoxetic acid in differentiating PDAC from FP.

Differentiating focal autoimmune pancreatitis and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: contrast-enhanced MRI with special emphasis on the arterial phase

OBJECTIVES

To compare focal-type autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) using contrast-enhanced MR imaging (CE-MRI), and to assess diagnostic performance of the lesion contrast at arterial phase (AP) (Contrast_AP) for differentiating between the two diseases.

METHODS

Thirty-six patients with focal-type AIP and 72 patients with PDA were included. All included patients underwent CE-MRI with triple phases. The signal intensity (SI) of the mass and normal pancreas was measured at each phase, and the lesion contrast (SI_pancreas/SI_mass) was compared between AIP and PDA groups. The sensitivity and specificity of Contrast_AP using an optimal cutoff point were compared with those of key imaging features specific to AIP and PDA.

RESULTS

The lesion contrast differed significantly between AIP and PDA groups at all phases of CE-MRI; the maximum difference was observed at AP. For AIP, the sensitivity (94.4%) and specificity (87.5%) of Contrast_AP (cutoff ≤ 1.41) were comparable or significantly higher than those of all key imaging features (sensitivity, 38.9-88.9%; specificity, 48.6-95.8%), except for the halo sign. For PDA, the sensitivity (87.5%) and specificity (94.4%) of Contrast_AP (cutoff > 1.41) were comparable or significantly higher than those of all key imaging features (sensitivity, 40.3-68.1%; specificity, 72.2-94.4%), except for the discrete mass.

CONCLUSIONS

Quantitative analysis of the lesion contrast using CE-MRI, particularly at AP, was helpful to differentiate focal-type AIP from PDA. The diagnostic performance of Contrast_AP was mostly comparable or higher than those of the key imaging features.

KEY POINTS

• Diagnosis of focal-type AIP vs. PDA using imaging techniques is extremely challenging. • Lesion contrast in the arterial-phase MRI differs significantly between focal-type AIP and PDA. • Quantitative analysis of lesion contrast using CE-MRI, particularly at the arterial phase, is helpful to differentiate focal-type AIP from PDA.

Qualitative and quantitative evaluation for morphological changes of the splenic artery in autoimmune pancreatitis: novel imaging findings for differentiation from pancreatic adenocarcinoma

PURPOSE

To determine whether morphological changes can occur in the splenic artery (SPA) of autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) cases, and if present, to compare them with those in pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAC) to clarify any arterial morphological differences between AIP and PAC.

METHODS

A total of 101 AIP cases were included in this study. The presence or absence of morphological change in the SPA was assessed, using arterial phase axial computed tomography images. Subsequently, imaging parameters (imaging pattern, capsule-like rim, other organ involvement, splenic vein [SPV] stenosis, and SPA calcification) were compared between cases with and without morphological changes. Additionally, comparison analyses (visual SPA assessment and % minimal lumen diameter [MLD] stenosis) among normal pancreas, PAC, and AIP groups were performed using early arterial phase (EAP) reconstructed images.

RESULTS

In 25 (24.8%) AIP cases, marginal irregularities of the SPA were present. The presence of the capsule-like rim and SPV stenosis were significantly associated with the arterial morphological changes. All cases with morphological changes had a capsule-like rim. Visual assessment using EAP reconstructed images revealed irregularities of the SPA in 9 of 38 AIP cases (23.7%); however, arterial narrowing was not detected in any cases. % MLD stenosis in AIP group was significantly lower than that in PAC group (p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Although approximately one-quarter of AIP cases potentially demonstrate marginal irregularity in the SPA when it is surrounded by an apparent capsule-like rim, arterial luminal narrowing rarely occurs in contrast to PAC. These arterial findings can help to distinguish AIP from PAC.

Diagnosis and Detection of Pancreatic Cancer

Computed tomography is the first-line imaging modality for suspected pancreatic cancer. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography is a second-line modality for suspected pancreatic cancer and is usually reserved for equivocal cases. Both computed tomography and MR are highly sensitive in the detection of pancreatic cancer, with up to 96% and 93.5% sensitivity, respectively. Computed tomography is superior to MR in the assessment of tumor resectability, with accuracy rates of up to 86.8% and 78.9%, respectively. Close attention to secondary signs of pancreatic cancer, such as pancreatic duct dilatation, abrupt pancreatic duct caliber change, and parenchymal atrophy, are critical in the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. Emerging techniques such as radiomics and molecular imaging have the potential of identifying malignant precursors and lead to earlier disease diagnosis. The results of these promising techniques need to be validated in larger clinical studies.

MR Imaging of Autoimmune Pancreatitis

Autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) is characterized by autoimmune inflammatory destruction of the pancreatic tissue. Imaging plays an essential role in the diagnosis. AIP type 1 is the pancreatic manifestation of immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4)-related disease and is associated with IgG4-positive plasma cell infiltration and fibrosis of multiple organ systems. Type 2 is a related disease with pancreatic inflammation with or without concurrent inflammatory bowel disease. The authors demonstrate the imaging findings that are associated with the pancreatic and extra-pancreatic manifestations of AIP. They emphasize the common MR imaging and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography findings to help make the diagnosis of AIP.

Multifocal Mass Lesions in Autoimmune Pancreatitis

A 59-year-old male patient with jaundice was referred to our hospital because of mass lesions in the pancreatic head and tail. An immunological examination revealed an elevated serum IgG4 level. Computed tomography showed two clear boundary mass lesions in the pancreatic head and tail. Magnetic resonance imaging showed that the mass lesions exhibited low intensity on T1-weighted images and iso-intensity on T2-weighted images. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography showed an obstruction of the main pancreatic duct in the pancreatic head and tail. The possibility of malignant tumors could not be ruled out; therefore, we performed total pancreatectomy. A histopathological examination of the nodular lesions revealed severe lymphoplasmacytic infiltration and inflammatory change around the pancreatic ducts. Immunohistochemistry revealed diffuse infiltration of IgG4-positive plasma cells in the nodules. According to these pathological findings, we diagnosed the patient with IgG4-related multifocal mass lesions of autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP). It is difficult to distinguish between focal type AIP and pancreatic cancer. We herein report a rare case of multifocal mass lesions in AIP and include bibliographical comments.

Endoscopic Ultrasonography-Guided Fine Needle Aspiration Can Be Used to Rule Out Malignancy in Autoimmune Pancreatitis Patients

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to review the suitability of endoscopic ultrasonography-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) for ruling out malignancy in autoimmune pancreatitis patients.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 40 autoimmune pancreatitis patients (type 1:37 patients; type 2: two patients; possible autoimmune pancreatitis: one patient) who received EUS-FNA. Among the 40 autoimmune pancreatitis patients, 34 were not histopathologically diagnosed with autoimmune pancreatitis by EUS-FNA, and they were followed up for more than 6 months in our hospital. Moreover, 14 pancreatic cancer patients who were not diagnosed by EUS-FNA were selected as a control group. These 14 patients constituted 3.9% of the 360 pancreatic cancer patients who received EUS-FNA. We evaluated the prognoses of the 34 autoimmune pancreatitis patients and the clinical differences between these 34 autoimmune pancreatitis patients and the 14 pancreatic cancer patients.

RESULTS

All 34 autoimmune pancreatitis patients showed reduced pancreatic swelling. The main pancreatic duct dilation ( > 3 mm), the diameter of the main pancreatic duct, the capsule-like rim sign, and serum CA19-9 levels were significantly different between the autoimmune pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer patients (2.9% versus 69.2%, P < .01; 1.7 ± 1.6 mm versus 6.8 ± 5.0 mm, P < .01; 79.4% versus 0%, P < .01; 41.4 ± 79.0 U/mL versus 2079.1 ± 275.3 U/mL, P = .02).

CONCLUSIONS

Almost all pancreatic cancers can be diagnosed by EUS-FNA. Furthermore, other clinical characteristics of pancreatic cancer undiagnosed by EUS-FNA were different from autoimmune pancreatitis undiagnosed by EUS-FNA. Endoscopic ultrasonography-guided FNA can be used to rule out malignancy in autoimmune pancreatitis patients.

Usefulness of three-dimensional magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography with partial maximum intensity projection for diagnosing autoimmune pancreatitis

PURPOSE

To compare three-dimensional magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) with/without partial maximum intensity projection (MIP) and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in patients with autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Three-dimensional MRCP and ERCP images were retrospectively analyzed in 24 patients with AIP. We evaluated the narrowing length of the main pancreatic duct (NR-MPD), multiple skipped MPD narrowing (SK-MPD), and side branches arising from the narrowed portion of the MPD (SB-MPD) using four MRCP datasets: 5 original images (MIP₅), 10 original images (MIP₁₀), all original images (full-MIP), and a combination of these three datasets (a-MIP). The images were scored using a 3- or 5-point scale. The scores of the four MRCP datasets were statistically analyzed, and the positive rate of each finding was compared between MRCP and ERCP.

RESULTS

The median scores for SB-MPD on MIP₅ and a-MIP were significantly higher than those on MIP₁₀ and full-MIP. In other words, partial MIP is superior to full-MIP for visualization of detailed structures. The positive rate for SB-MPD on full-MIP was significantly lower than that on ERCP, whereas the positive rate on MIP₅, MIP₁₀, and a-MIP was not significantly different from that on ERCP. Moreover, the positive rate for NR-MPD and SK-MPD on the MRCP images was significantly higher than that on the ERCP images.

CONCLUSION

Partial MIP is useful for evaluating the MPD and is comparable with ERCP for diagnosing AIP.

Branch Duct Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasms of the Pancreas Involving Type 1 Localized Autoimmune Pancreatitis with Normal Serum IgG4 Levels Successfully Diagnosed by Endoscopic Ultrasound-guided Fine-needle Aspiration and Treated without Pancreatic Surgery

We herein report a 68-year-old man with branch duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms of the pancreas (BD-IPMNs) involving type 1 localized autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) with normal serum IgG4 levels. Although he was referred to our medical center due to suspicion of pancreatic cancer concomitant with BD-IPMNs, endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) revealed a mass suspected of being pancreatic cancer to be type 1 AIP. Steroid administration notably reduced the mass. Although the clinical diagnosis of pancreatic masses in patients with IPMN can be occasionally challenging, performing a pathological examination by EUS-FNA may prevent unnecessary pancreatic surgery in cases of possible AIP.

Mass-forming type 1 autoimmune pancreatitis mimicking pancreatic cancer

We reported three cases of mass-forming type 1 autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) that were preoperatively suspected to be pancreatic cancer, and reviewed their clinicopathological features. Radiological findings in the patients revealed hypoattenuating masses in the early phase or a stricture of the main pancreatic duct with upstream dilatation, which was consistent with the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. Histopathologically, the lesions were well demarcated and met all diagnostic criteria for immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4)-related AIP, including the presence of periductal lymphoplasmacytic infiltration, obliterative phlebitis, storiform fibrosis and abundant IgG4-positive plasma cells. However, the adjacent uninvolved pancreatic duct and lobular structures were well preserved. And in all patients, none or some of the aforementioned characteristics were observed. We suggest that some cases of focal AIP may progress to more severe grades and exhibit mass formation, although remaining localized. These focal cases of AIP are difficult to distinguish from pancreatic cancer. To our knowledge, this report is the first to present a histopathological comparison of mass-forming AIP with the adjacent uninvolved pancreatic tissues.

Endoscopic retrograde pancreatography: When should we do it?

Endoscopic retrograde pancreatography (ERP) is an accurate imaging modality in the diagnosis of pancreatobiliary diseases. However, its use has been substantially reduced due to the invasiveness of procedure, the risk of complications and the widespread availability of non-invasive cross-section imaging techniques (computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and endoscopic ultrasound). Since the introduction of endoscopic sphincterotomy, ERP has transformed from diagnostic method to an almost exclusively therapeutic procedure. Pancreatic duct injection substantially increased the risk of post-ERP pancreatitis (1.6%-15.7%); therefore, according to international guidelines ERP is recommended only in cases where biliary intervention is required. However, the role of ERP in the management of pancreatic diseases is currently not clearly defined, but in some cases the filling of pancreatic duct may provide essential information complementing the results of non-invasive imaging techniques. The aim of this publication is to systematically summarize the literature dealing with the diagnostic yield of ERP. We would like to define the precise indications of ERP and overview a diagnostic protocol of pancreatic diseases depending on international guidelines and the opinion of Hungarian experts, because it may improve the diagnostic accuracy, minimize of burden of patients and reduce the risk of procedure related complications.

Capillary refill time as a guide for operational decision-making process of autoimmune pancreatitis: Preliminary results

AIM: To investigate the efficacy of a novel intraoperative diagnostic technique for patients with preliminary diagnosis of autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP).

METHODS: Patients with pancreatic surgery were reviewed to identify those who received a preliminary diagnosis of AIP between January 2010 and January 2014. The following data were collected prospectively for patients with a pathological diagnosis of AIP: clinical and demographic features, radiological and operative findings, treatment procedure, and intraoperative capillary refill time (CRT) in the pancreatic bed.

RESULTS: Eight patients (six males, two females; mean age: 51.4 years) met the eligibility criteria of pathologically confirmed diagnosis. The most frequent presenting symptoms were epigastric pain and weight loss. The most commonly conducted preoperative imaging studies were computed tomography and endoscopic retrograde pancreaticodoudenography. The most common intraoperative macroscopic observations were mass formation in the pancreatic head and diffuse hypervascularization in the pancreatic bed. All patients showed decreased CRT (median value: 0.76 s, range: 0.58-1.35). One-half of the patients underwent surgical resection and the other half received medical treatment without any further surgical intervention.

CONCLUSION: This preliminary study demonstrates a novel experience with measurement of CRT in the pancreatic bed during the intraoperative evaluation of patients with AIP.

[Autoimmune pancreatitis. Evidence based management guidelines of the Hungarian Pancreatic Study Group]

Autoimmune pancreatitis is a rare disease which can even mimic pancreatic tumor, however, unlike the latter, it requires not surgical but conservative management. Correct diagnosis and differential diagnosis of autoimmune pancreatitis and treatment of these patients requires up-to-date and evidence based management guidelines. The Hungarian Pancreatic Study Group proposed to prepare an evidence based guideline based on the available international guidelines and evidences. The preparatory and consultation task force appointed by the Hungarian Pancreatic Study Group translated and complemented and/or modified the international guidelines if it was necessary. 29 relevant clinical questions in 4 topics were defined (Basics; Diagnosis; Differential diagnostics; Therapy). Evidence was classified according to the UpToDate(®) grading system. The draft of the guidelines was presented and discussed at the consensus meeting on September 12, 2014. All clinial questions were accepted with almost total (more than 95%) agreement. The present guideline is the first evidence based autoimmune pancreatitis guideline in Hungary. The guideline may provide very important and helpful data for tuition of autoimmune pancreatitis, for everyday practice and for establishing proper finance. Therefore, the authors believe that these guidelines will widely become a basic reference in Hungary.

Pancreatic duct abnormalities in focal autoimmune pancreatitis: MR/MRCP imaging findings

AIM

To evaluate the magnetic resonance (MR) imaging-MR cholangiopancreatographic (MRCP) findings of focal forms of autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) to describe ductal involvement at diagnosis.

METHODS

MR examinations of 123 patients affected by AIP were analysed. We included 26 patients who satisfied International Consensus Diagnostic Criteria and were suffering from focal AIP. Image analysis included: site of parenchymal enlargement, main pancreatic duct (MPD) diameter, MPD stenosis, stricture length, presence of upstream dilation within the stricture, signal intensity, and pancreatic enhancement.

RESULTS

Signal intensity abnormalities were localized in the head in 10/26 (38.5%) and in the body-tail in 16/26 (61.5%) patients. MRCP showed a single MPD stenosis in 12/26 (46.1%) and multiple MPD stenosis in 14/26 (53.8%) patients, without a dilation of the upstream MPD (mean: 3.83 mm). Lesions showed hypointensity on T1-weighted images in all patients, and hyperintensity on T2-weighted images in 22/26 (84.6%) patients. The affected parenchyma was hypovascular during the arterial phase in 25/26 (96.2%) patients with contrast retention.

CONCLUSIONS

MR-MRCP are effective techniques for the diagnosis of AIP showing the loss of the physiological lobulation and the typical contrastographic appearance. The presence of multiple, long stenoses without an upstream MPD dilation at MRCP suggests the diagnosis of AIP, and can be useful in differential diagnosis of pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

KEY POINTS

• MRI represents the gold standard in the diagnosis of AIP. • MRCP is an increasingly useful technique in the diagnosis of focal AIP. • MRCP could be a problem-solving tool in the differential diagnosis of AIP.

Framework for interpretation of trypsin-antitrypsin imbalance and genetic heterogeneity in pancreatitis

Early intracellular premature trypsinogen activation was interpreted as the key initiator of pancreatitis. When the balance in the homeostasis of trypsin and antitrypsin system is disequilibrated, elevated aggressive enzymes directly attack the pancreatic tissue, which leads to pancreatic destruction and inflammation. However, trypsin alone is not enough to cause complications in pancreatitis, which may play a crucial role in modulating signaling events in the initial phase of the disease. NFκB activation is the major inflammatory pathway involved in the occurrence and development of pancreatitis and it can be induced by intrapancreatic activation of trypsinogen. Synthesis of trypsinogen occurs in endoplasmic reticulum (ER), and ER stress is an important early acinar cell event. Components of ER stress response are known to be able to trigger cell death as well as NFκB signaling cascade. The strongest evidence supporting the trypsin-centered theory is that gene mutations, which lead to the generation of more trypsin, or reduce the activity of trypsin inhibitors or trypsin degradation, are associated with pancreatitis. Thus, trypsin-antitrypsin imbalance may be the first step leading to pancreatic autodigestion and inducing other pathways. Continued experimental studies are necessary to determine the specific relationships between trypsin-antitrypsin imbalance and genetic heterogeneity in pancreatitis. In this article, we review the latest advances that contributed to the understanding of the basic mechanisms behind the occurrence and development of pancreatitis with a focus on the interpretation of trypsin-antitrypsin imbalance and their relationships with other inflammation pathways. We additionally highlight genetic predispositions to pancreatitis and possible mechanisms associated with them.

Endoscopic approaches for the diagnosis of autoimmune pancreatitis

Autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) is characterized by diffuse pancreatic enlargement and irregular narrowing of the main pancreatic duct (MPD). Immunoglobulin (Ig)G4-related sclerosing cholangitis (IgG4-SC) associated with AIP frequently appears as a bile duct stricture. Therefore, it is important to differentiate AIP and IgG4-SC from pancreatic cancer and cholangiocarcinoma or primary sclerosing cholangitis, respectively. Endoscopy plays a central role in the diagnosis of AIP and IgG4-SC because it provides imaging of the MPD and bile duct strictures as well as the ability to obtain tissue samples for histological evaluations. Diffuse irregular narrowing of MPD on endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is rather specific to AIP, but localized narrowing of the MPD is often difficult to differentiate from MPD stenosis caused by pancreatic cancer. A long stricture (>1/3 the length of the MPD) and lack of upstream dilatation from the stricture (<5 mm) might be key features of AIP on ERCP. Some cholangiographic features, such as segmental strictures, stric tures of the lower bile duct, and long strictures with prestenotic dilatation, are more common in IgG4-SC than in cholangiocarcinoma. Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) reveals diffuse hypoechoic pancreatic enlargement, sometimes with hypoechoic inclusions, in patients with AIP. In addition, EUS-elastography and contrast-enhanced harmonic EUS have been developed with promising results. The usefulness of EUS-guided fine-needle aspiration has been increasingly recognized for obtaining adequate tissue samples for the histological diagnosis of AIP. Further improvement of endoscopic procedures and devices will contribute to more accurate diagnosis of AIP and IgG4-SC.

Pancreatic duct "Icicle sign" on MRI for distinguishing autoimmune pancreatitis from pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma in the proximal pancreas

OBJECTIVE

To determine reliable MRI features of autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) in the proximal pancreas that could allow its differentiation from pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).

METHODS

Twenty-three patients with AIP and 61 patients with PDAC in the proximal pancreas underwent MRI. Two observers analyzed MRI for lesion morphology, hypointensity degree on T1-weighted images, enhancement pattern during dynamic phases, capsule-like rim, presence of cysts and duct penetrating sign, morphology of bile duct, and icicle appearance and tortuosity of the upstream pancreatic duct. Sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of AIP were calculated for each category or combined.

RESULTS

When isointensity on the portal and late phase of MRI and/or the icicle sign of pancreatic duct are applied, 100 % sensitivity for the diagnosis of AIP in the proximal pancreas was achieved. Applying both mild T1 hypointensity similar to the spleen and the icicle sign enabled 100 % specificity for the diagnosis of AIP by differentiating it from PDAC.

CONCLUSION

The combination of the icicle sign in the upstream pancreatic duct and mild T1 hypointensity or isointensity on portal and late phase of dynamic MRI could be reliable MR features for the diagnosis of AIP in the proximal pancreas by allowing its differentiation from PDAC.

KEY POINTS

• The icicle sign of the pancreatic duct is useful for diagnosing AIP. • Mild T1 hypointensity similar to the spleen is useful for diagnosing AIP. • Isointensity on portal and late phases MRI is useful for diagnosing AIP.

Autoimmune pancreatitis in the context of IgG4-related disease: Review of imaging findings

Current understanding of autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) recognizes a histopathological subtype of the disease to fall within the spectrum of IgG4-related disease. Along with clinical, laboratory, and histopathological data, imaging plays an important role in the diagnosis and management of AIP, and more broadly, within the spectrum of IgG4-related disease. In addition to the defined role of imaging in consensus diagnostic protocols, an array of imaging modalities can provide complementary data to address specific clinical concerns. These include contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging for pancreatic parenchymal lesion localization and characterization, endoscopic retrograde and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (ERCP and MRCP) to assess for duct involvement, and more recently, positron emission tomography (PET) imaging to assess for extra-pancreatic sites of involvement. While the imaging appearance of AIP varies widely, certain imaging features are more likely to represent AIP than alternate diagnoses, such as pancreatic cancer. While nonspecific, imaging findings which favor a diagnosis of AIP rather than pancreatic cancer include: delayed enhancement of affected pancreas, mild dilatation of the main pancreatic duct over a long segment, the “capsule” and “penetrating duct” signs, and responsiveness to corticosteroid therapy. Systemic, extra-pancreatic sites of involvement are also often seen in AIP and IgG4-related disease, and typically respond to corticosteroid therapy. Imaging by CT, MR, and PET also play a role in the diagnosis and monitoring after treatment of involved sites.

[Autoimmune pancreatitis mimicking pancreatic tumor]

Autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) is a rare disease of unknown pathomechanism. AIP belongs to the IgG4-related disease family and responds well to steroids, although the relapse rate can reach up to 20-30%. Differentiation of AIP from the more common pancreatic cancer can be very challenging. About 20% of autoimmune pancreatitis is diagnosed postoperatively during final histological examination. While each of diagnostic investigations provide some additional information towards definitive diagnosis, the question still remains whether it is possible to prevent unnecessary pancreatic resection. We demonstrate the differential diagnostic opportunities when we present our case as well as discuss the literature data of this condition. In conclusion, we think that in case of a focal pancreatic lesion AIP should always be considered.

Amendment of the Japanese Consensus Guidelines for Autoimmune Pancreatitis, 2013 I. Concept and diagnosis of autoimmune pancreatitis

BACKGROUND

In response to the proposal of the international consensus diagnostic criteria (ICDC) for autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) and the Japanese diagnostic criteria in 2011, the 2009 Japanese consensus guidelines for managing AIP required revision.

METHODS

Three committees [the professional committee for making clinical questions (CQs) and statements by Japanese specialists, the expert panelist committee for rating statements by the modified Delphi method, and the evaluating committee by moderators] were organized. Fifteen specialists for AIP extracted the specific clinical statements from 1,843 articles published between 1963 and 2012 (obtained from Pub Med and a secondary database, and developed the CQs and statements. The expert panel individually rated the clinical statements using a modified Delphi approach, in which a clinical statement receiving a median score greater than seven on a nine-point scale from the panel was regarded as valid.

RESULTS

The professional committee created 13 CQs and statements for the current concept and diagnosis of AIP, 6 for extra-pancreatic lesions, 6 for differential diagnosis, and 11 for treatment.

CONCLUSION

After evaluation by the moderators, amendments to the Japanese consensus guidelines for AIP have been proposed for 2013.

Autoimmune pancreatitis: multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT) and magnetic resonance (MR) findings in the Italian experience

Multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging are currently the most frequently performed imaging modalities for the study of pancreatic disease. In cases of suspected autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP), a dynamic quadriphasic (precontrast, contrast-enhanced pancreatic, venous and late phases) study is recommended in both techniques. In the diffuse form of autoimmune pancreatitis (DAIP), the pancreatic parenchyma shows diffuse enlargement and appears, during the MDCT and MR contrast-enhanced pancreatic phase, diffusely hypodense and hypointense, respectively, compared to the spleen because of lymphoplasmacytic infiltration and pancreatic fibrosis. During the venous phase of MDCT and MR imaging, the parenchyma appears hyperdense and hyperintense, respectively, in comparison to the pancreatic phase. In the delayed phase of both imaging modalities, it shows retention of contrast media. A "capsule-like rim" may be recognised as a peripancreatic MDCT hyperdense and MR hypointense halo in the T2-weighted images, compared to the parenchyma. DAIP must be differentiated from non-necrotizing acute pancreatitis (NNAP) and lymphoma since both diseases show diffuse enlargement of the pancreatic parenchyma. The differential diagnosis is clinically difficult, and dynamic contrast-enhanced MDCT has an important role. In the focal form of autoimmune pancreatitis (FAIP), the parenchyma shows segmental enlargement involving the head, the body-tail or the tail, with the same contrast pattern as the diffuse form on both modalities. FAIP needs to be differentiated from pancreatic adenocarcinoma to avoid unnecessary surgical procedures, since both diseases have similar clinical and imaging presentation. The differential diagnosis is clinically difficult, and dynamic contrast-enhanced MDCT and MR imaging both have an important role. MR cholangiopancreatography helps in the differential diagnosis. Furthermore, MDCT and MR imaging can identify the extrapancreatic manifestations of AIP, most commonly biliary, renal and retroperitoneal. Finally, in all cases of uncertain diagnosis, MDCT and/or MR follow-up after short-term treatment (2-3 weeks) with high-dose steroids can identify a significant reduction in size of the pancreatic parenchyma and, in FAIP, normalisation of the calibre of the upstream main pancreatic duct.

Use of diffusion-weighted MRI to differentiate chronic pancreatitis from pancreatic cancer

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to compare diffusion-weighted MRI (DWI) and conventional (non-DWI) MRI sequences in differentiating mass-forming chronic pancreatitis from pancreatic cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective cohort study included 36 patients who underwent pancreatic resection for pancreatic cancer (n = 13) and chronic pancreatitis (n = 23) after preoperative MRI with DWI. Two independent reviewers assessed the DW images for signal intensity and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values. Four weeks later, they reviewed the other MR images for size of mass, double-duct sign, pancreatic duct cutoff, and perivascular soft-tissue cuffing. A score for conventional MRI was given with 1 meaning definitely benign and 5 meaning definitely malignant. Univariate and multivariate analyses and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis were performed with surgical pathologic examination as the reference standard.

RESULTS

The only finding that differentiated the two groups was the presence of a well-defined mass, favoring the diagnosis of cancer (p = 0.02, p < 0.01). There was no significant difference between the two groups in signal intensity on DW images (p = 0.82, p = 0.85) or ADC (p = 0.51, p = 0.76). Double-duct sign, pancreatic duct cutoff, and perivascular soft-tissue cuffing were not useful in differentiating the two groups. The areas under the ROC curve were 0.873 and 0.878 for the conventional MRI scores, compared with 0.602 and 0.552 for ADC measurements (p = 0.02, p = 0.008).

CONCLUSION

The addition of DWI to conventional MRI does not facilitate differentiation of pancreatic cancer from chronic pancreatitis.

International Consensus Diagnostic Criteria for Autoimmune Pancreatitis and Its Japanese Amendment Have Improved Diagnostic Ability over Existing Criteria

Objectives. The recent International Consensus Diagnostic Criteria (ICDC) for autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) and its Japanese amendment developed by the Japanese Pancreas Society (JPS 2011) may have overcome the drawbacks of earlier criteria and achieved a higher diagnostic ability for AIP. The aim of the present study is to evaluate this possibility and identify the underlying causes of this change. Methods. We compared the diagnostic abilities of the ICDC and JPS 2011 with those of the Japanese diagnostic criteria 2006 (JPS 2006), Korean diagnostic criteria (Korean), Asian diagnostic criteria (Asian), and HISORt diagnostic criteria in 110 patients with AIP and 31 patients with malignant pancreatic cancer. Results. The ICDC achieved the highest diagnostic ability in terms of accuracy (95.0%), followed by JPS 2011 (92.9%), Korean (92.2%), HISORt (88.7%), Asian (87.2%), and JPS 2006 (85.1%). Nearly all criteria systems exhibited a high specificity of 100%, indicating that the enhanced diagnostic ability of the ICDC and JPS 2011 likely stemmed from increased sensitivity brought about by inclusion of diagnostic items requiring no endoscopic retrograde pancreatography. The diagnostic ability of JPS 2011 was nearly equivalent to that of the ICDC. Conclusions. The ICDC and JPS 2011 have improved diagnostic ability as compared with earlier criteria sets because of an increase in sensitivity.

Autoimmune pancreatitis: role of endoscopy in diagnosis and treatment

This review addresses the role of endoscopy in the diagnosis and treatment of autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) and provides a diagnostic process for patients with suspected AIP. When should AIP be suspected? When can it be diagnosed without endoscopic examination? Which endoscopic approaches are appropriate in suspected AIP, and when? What are the roles of diagnostic endoscopic retrograde pancreatography, endoscopic biopsies, and IgG4 immunostaining? What is the proper use of the steroid trial in the diagnosis of AIP in patients with indeterminate computed tomography imaging? Should biliary stenting be performed in patients with AIP with obstructive jaundice?