Lactoferrin amyloid presenting as a mural nodule in a pancreatic cystic lesion prompting pancreatoduodenectomy: a case report

BMC Gastroenterol. 2021 Feb 12;21(1):66. doi: 10.1186/s12876-021-01641-8.

Abstract

Background: Amyloid deposition in pancreas is rare. Lactoferrin amyloid deposition has not been reported in pancreas, till date. Presence of enhancing mural nodule in a cyst on imaging is a worrisome feature for malignancy, and warrants surgical resection in a surgically fit candidate, as per Fukuoka guidelines for management of cystic lesions in pancreas.

Case report: We report a case of localized amyloidosis presenting as a mural nodule in a 1.6 cm cyst located in the head of pancreas, which led to pancreatoduodenectomy in a 69 year old woman. Histological evaluation revealed a simple mucinous cyst with localized lactoferrin amyloid deposition corresponding to the mural nodule identified on imaging.

Conclusions: We report the first case of localized lactoferrin amyloid deposition in pancreas that presented as a mural nodule in a cystic lesion and prompted pancreatoduodenectomy. This unique case illustrates that on rare occasion mural nodule in a cyst can be benign. It adds amyloid deposition to the differential diagnosis of mural nodules in pancreatic cystic lesions seen on imaging.

Keywords: Amyloid; Case report; Mucinous cyst; Mural nodule; Pancreas.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Amyloidosis*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lactoferrin
  • Pancreas
  • Pancreatic Cyst* / surgery
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms* / surgery
  • Pancreaticoduodenectomy

Substances

  • Lactoferrin