What is a side branch IPMN of the pancreas?
Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms of the pancreas (IPMNs) are characterized by cystic dilation of the pancreatic duct system, intraductal papillary growth, and excessive mucin secretion. Although IPMNs are primarily thought to be benign tumors, there is a relevant risk of malignant transformation over time.
What does Side Branch IPMN mean?
IPMN, an acronym for Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasm, is a cause of pancreatitis in which there is a transformation of the cells that line the pancreatic duct into premalignant cells —cells that display characteristics that may develop into pancreatic cancer— that produce mucous and block off the pancreatic …
Can IPMN cause chronic pancreatitis?
Talamini et al. prospectively followed up 473 patients with chronic pancreatitis, including 45 cases of IPMN, and revealed approximately 12% of patients with IPMN have a history leading to a diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis and roughly 2% of all chronic pancreatitis diagnoses are associated with IPMN [6].
Should an IPMN be removed?
They can usually be monitored for any changes and no treatment is needed. A minority of cases might need surgery to remove them, but this is in order to lower the risk of developing associated cancer. Most people will recover well from treatment.
Can Ipmn cause pain?
When IPMNs produce symptoms, the most common are: Abdominal pain on the right side of the body (where the liver, gallbladder and pancreas are located) Nausea, vomiting.
What is an IPMN of the pancreas?
Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) of the pancreas are potentially malignant intraductal epithelial neoplasms that are grossly visible (typically >10 mm) and are composed of mucin-producing columnar cells.
How is IPMN treated?
An IPMN in the tail of the pancreas is treated with a surgical procedure called distal pancreatectomy. An IPMN found in the head of the pancreas is treated with a pancreaticoduodenectomy or Whipple procedure. In rare cases, the entire pancreas is removed in patients with IPMNs in a procedure called a pancreatectomy.
Where are IPMNs located in the pancreas?
IPMNs may arise in the main pancreatic duct, a branch duct, or a combination of the main and branch ducts, and they typically produce radiographically identifiable ductal dilatation (, 23 ). IPMNs represent a spectrum of disease from small benign adenomas through aggressive and lethal malignancy.
Where does IPMT usually occur in the body?
The branch duct type of IPMT usually occurs in the uncinate process of the pancreas but may also occur in the body and tail (, 3 ), (, 6 ), (, 20 ). Macroscopically, the lesion is covered with thin pancreatic parenchyma and consists of conglomerated communicating cysts 1–2 cm in diameter (, 1 )– (, 3 ), (, 20 ).
Can a MRI be used to diagnose pancreatic parenchyma?
MRI studies, particularly MRCP, has largely replaced CT on the imaging workup of these lesions. main duct IPMN (with dilatation of the main duct >5 mm) either segment of the pancreatic duct (or the entire duct) are dilated and filled with low density (mucin thus water signal) material overlying pancreatic parenchyma may be thinned
Which is better for IPMN CT or MRI?
Both a dedicated pancreatic CT protocol and pancreatic MRI/MRCP have been reported having similar accuracy in the characterization of the pancreatic cystic lesions 16, but most recent guidelines recommend MRI as the modality of choice for IPMN followup. MRI studies, particularly MRCP, has largely replaced CT on the imaging workup of these lesions.