Pancreatic intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms: Current diagnosis and management

Abstract

Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) represent approximately 1% of all pancreatic neoplasms and 25% of cystic neoplasms. They are divided into three types: main duct-IPMN (MD-IPPMN), branch duct-IPMN (BD-IPMN), and mixed type-IPMN. In this review, diagnostics, including clinical presentation and radiological investigations, were described. Magnetic resonance imaging is the most useful for most IPMNs. Management depends on the type and radiological features of IPMNs. Surgery is recommended for MD-IPMN. For BD-IPMN, management involves surgery or surveillance depending on the tumor size, cyst growth rate, solid components, main duct dilatation, high-grade dysplasia in cytology, the presence of symptoms (jaundice, new-onset diabetes, pancreatitis), and CA 19.9 serum level. The patient’s age and comorbidities should also be taken into consideration. Currently, there are different guidelines regarding the diagnosis and management of IPMNs. In this review, the following guidelines were presented: Sendai International Association of Pancreatology guidelines (2006), American Gastroenterological Association guidelines, revised international consensus Fukuoka guidelines (2012), revised international consensus Fukuoka guidelines (2017), and European evidence-based guidelines according to the European Study Group on Cystic Tumours of the Pancreas (2018). The Verona Evidence-Based Meeting 2020 was also presented and discussed.

Keywords: Pancreatic cyst; Pancreatic cystic neoplasm; Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm; Pancreatic cancer; Pancreatectomy; Guidelines

Core Tip: Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) account about 1% of all pancreatic neoplasms and 25% of cystic neoplasms. We can distinguish three IPMN types: main duct-IPMN (MD-IPPMN), branch duct-IPMN (BD-IPMN), and mixed type-IPMN. Magnetic resonance imaging is the most useful approach for most IPMNs. Management depends on the type and radiological features of IPMNs. MD-IPMN is recommended for surgery. In BD-IPMN, management involves surgery or surveillance depending on the tumor size, cyst growth rate, solid components, main duct dilatation, high-grade dysplasia in cytology, the presence of symptoms (jaundice, new-onset diabetes, pancreatitis), and CA 19.9 serum level. The patient’s age and comorbidities should also be taken into consideration. Currently, there are different guidelines regarding the diagnostics and management of IPMNs: Sendai International Association of Pancreatology guidelines (2006), American Gastroenterological Association guidelines, revised international consensus Fukuoka guidelines (2012), revised international consensus Fukuoka guidelines (2017), and European evidence-based guidelines based on the European Study Group on Cystic Tumors of the Pancreas (2018). The experts of Verona Evidence-Based Meeting 2020 determined the most important further directions regarding guidelines on IPMN management.