Diagnostic challenges of pancreatic carcinoma presenting as acute pancreatitis: A case series and literature review.

Abstract

Background: Pancreatic cancer can be challenging to diagnose, particularly when it presents with features resembling pancreatitis. Misdiagnosis can delay treatment and adversely affect patient outcomes. This case series highlights the diagnostic difficulties and clinical outcomes in patients initially diagnosed with pancreatitis, who were later found to have pancreatic malignancies such as pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).

Methods: We reviewed the medical records of patients who underwent pancreatic-related procedures from 2011 to 2024 at a tertiary care hospital in Taiwan.

Results: The review identified 70 patients with resectable pancreatic malignancies, of whom 18 (26%) had a diagnosis of pancreatitis before their cancer was diagnosed. Four cases were selected for detailed presentation, highlighting the potential for missed or delayed pancreatic cancer diagnoses in patients with recurrent pancreatitis. Upon further investigation, we found that subtle signs of malignancy are often masked on initial imaging studies, leading to delays in definitive diagnosis and treatment.

Conclusion: This case series demonstrates the complexities in diagnosing pancreatic cancer, particularly when the presentation is that of pancreatitis. Our findings emphasize the need for careful review of imaging results and a high clinical suspicion of malignancy in patients with recurrent pancreatitis. Further research into more effective diagnostic tools and treatment strategies is warranted to enhance the early detection and management of pancreatic cancer in similar clinical scenarios.