Xanthogranulomatous pancreatitis treated by duodenum-preserving pancreatic head resection.
BACKGROUND
Xanthogranulomatosis is an idiopathic, rare process in which lipid-laden histiocytes are deposited at various locations in the body. We present two cases who were treated by duodenum-preserving pancreatic head resection and eventually diagnosed as having xanthogranulomatous pancreatitis.


METHODS
A 30-year-old caucasian man was admitted to our clinic for vague abdominal pain and epigastric dullness. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography and endoscopic retrograde pancreatography suggested the existence of chronic pancreatitis. Another 34-year-old caucasian woman was admitted to our clinic because of right upper quadrant pain. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography demonstrated a dilatation and stone of the main pancreatic duct. Based on a diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic head resection was planned and a laparotomy was performed in both of cases.


RESULTS
In both cases, duodenum-preserving pancreatic head resection was performed. Macroscopic and microscopic findings revealed xanthogranulomatous inflammation, which led to a diagnosis of xanthogranulomatous pancreatitis.


CONCLUSIONS
Although this type of pancreatitis is extremely rare, it is important to keep it in mind for a differential diagnosis because it may simulate chronic pancreatitis or a malignant tumor on imaging.
Uguz
Alper
A
Department of Surgery, Hepatopancreatobiliary Division, Ege University Faculty of Medicine, Izmir, Turkey.
Yakan
Savaş
S
Gurcu
Baris
B
Yilmaz
Funda
F
Ilter
Tankut
T
Coker
Ahmet
A
D000328:Adult; D004386:Duodenum / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006099:Granuloma / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010179:Pancreas / Q000601:surgery*; D010195:Pancreatitis / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D014973:Xanthomatosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*