Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor of the pancreatic neck misdiagnosed as neuroendocrine tumor: A case report

Abstract

BACKGROUND

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) is a relatively rare tumor. The global incidence of IMT is less than 1%. There is no specific clinical manifestation. It usually occurs in the lungs, but the pancreas is not the predilection site.

CASE SUMMARY

We present a case of a male patient, 51 years old, who was diagnosed with a pancreatic neck small mass on ultrasound one year ago during a physical examination. As he had no clinical symptoms and the mass was relatively small, he did not undergo treatment. However, the mass was found to be larger on review, and he was referred to our hospital. Since the primal clinical diagnosis was pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor, the patient underwent surgical treatment. However, the case was confirmed as pancreatic IMT by postoperative pathology.

CONCLUSION

Pancreatic IMT is relatively rare and easily misdiagnosed. We can better under-stand and correctly diagnose this disease by this case report.

Keywords: Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor; Diagnosis; Imaging; Pancreas; Case report

Core Tip: Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) is a rare mesenchymal tumor composed of spindle-shaped myofibroblasts accompanied by a mixed inflammatory infiltrate, and is particularly rare in the pancreas. The diagnosis of pancreatic IMT is made on the basis of histopathology and immunohistochemistry. Different lesions exhibit diverse biological characteristics, and there are several surgical treatment protocols. This case emphasizes the importance of correct preoperative diagnosis of IMT and reminds us to broaden our thinking in relation to the diagnosis of pancreatic lesions.