Journal of Gastrointestinal & Digestive System
Open Access

The estimated prevalence of asymptomatic pancreatic cyst is 2.2% on computed tomography and 19.6% on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) [1,2]. Pseudocysts and cystic neoplasms of the pancreas such as serous cystadenoma, mucinous cystadenoma and intraductal pseudopapillary mucinous neoplasm constitute more than 95% of the pancreatic cysts. However, rarely cysts in the pancreas can be due to the developmental defects causing sequestration of pancreatic ducts leading to the formation of polycystic pancreas [3].

Polycystic disease of the pancreas (PDP) is a rare condition which mimics pseudocyst and cystic neoplasm of pancreas on radiological imaging. The exact incidence of this disease is not known. It has been found to be associated with polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), cystic fibrosis and Von Hippel Lindau (VHL) syndrome [4-6]. In most of the cases, these cysts are asymptomatic [3]. However, if they are large in size, then can lead to symptoms secondary to compression of surrounding structures such as the main pancreatic duct, stomach [3,4]. We report a case of an elderly male with an incidental diagnosis of PDP in association with ADPKD.

A 83-year-old gentleman presented with chief complaints of loose stools and generalized weakness for one month. Physical examination was unremarkable. Colonoscopy revealed few small superficial ulcers in the terminal ileum. Biopsy from these ulcers showed nonspecific ileitis. Ultrasound of the abdomen suggested cystic lesion of 19 × 14 mm in the head and uncinate process of the pancreas.

Contrast-enhanced computed tomography of the abdomen showed the presence of multiple cysts throughout the pancreas with largest measuring 2.2 × 1.7 × 2.1 cm located in the head and uncinate process. There was no calcification, fat density or enhancing soft tissue component seen within the cysts. Rest of the pancreas was normal in outline and attenuation pattern. The main pancreatic duct was not dilated (Figure 1).

Figure 1: Contrast enhanced computed tomography of abdomen showing the simple cysts in the pancreatic head (white arrow) and left kidney (red arrow).

In addition, multiple bilateral small renal cysts (5 cysts in each kidney) (Bosnaik type 1) and small ureteric calculi (3 mm on the right side and 1.9 mm on the left side) were present. A small 5 mm cyst was located in the segment II of the liver. Magnetic resonance imaging of the abdomen confirmed the presence of cysts in the liver, pancreas and kidneys.

These pancreatic cysts exhibited hypointense peripheral and hyperintense central signals on T2WI while peripheral isointense and central hypointense signals on T1WI sequences. There was no evidence of septations or calcification within these cysts. These cysts were located in the head, uncinate process, body and tail of the pancreas (Figure 2)

Figure 2: Contrast enhanced computed tomography showing the simple cysts in the pancreatic tail (white arrow) and left kidney (red arrow).

Rest of the pancreas was normal with the main pancreatic duct diameter of 1.7 mm. There was no evidence of communication between the cysts and the main pancreatic duct. Tumor markers (CA 19-9 and CEA) were normal.

In view of the above findings and ultrasonographic diagnostic criteria for ADPKD [7], diagnosis of ADPKD with co-existent pancreatic and hepatic cysts was made. The patient was treated medically for loose stools and was symptom free till the last follow up at one month (Figures 3 and 4).

Figure 3: Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography showing the simple cysts in the pancreatic head, tail (white arrow) and bilateral kidneys (red arrow).

Figure 4: 3D reconstruction image of magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography showing normal sized common bile duct (red arrow), non-dilated main pancreatic duct (yellow arrow) with the presence of multiple pancreatic cysts (white arrow).

Polycystic pancreas occurs due to abnormal development of pancreatic ductal system secondary to ciliopathy [3,8,9]. Recent studies have revealed that deficiency of hepatocyte nuclear factor 6, and gain of function of Forkhead box-containing protein predisposes to the development of pancreatic cysts [8,9]. These cysts lack primary cilia similar to that seen in ADPKD [3].

Radiological it is difficult to differentiate congenital cysts from pseudocysts. But unlike congenital cysts, pseudocysts have amylaserich fluid. Hence, cyst fluid analysis along with history of pancreatitis can help in making the diagnosis. On the other hand, malignant pancreatic cysts usually have intramural nodules, thickened irregular cyst wall, enhancing septae, main pancreatic duct dilatation or calcifications which help to differentiate them from congenital cysts. In the present case, none of the above-mentioned features were present. Hence, the diagnosis of the simple congenital cyst was made.

Pancreatic cysts have been most commonly found to be associated with ADPKD [4,5]. Although pancreatic cysts have been observed in patients with both PKD1 and PKD2 gene mutations, patients of PKD2 gene mutation are five times more likely to have pancreatic cysts [5]. Patients with PKD1 gene mutation have a single pancreatic cyst in about 75% cases with those with PKD2 gene mutation have two or more pancreatic cysts in more than 60% cases [5]. The size and distribution of cysts in patients with ADPKD are similar to those seen in patients without ADPKD.

Pancreatic cysts have also been found to be associated with VHL [6]. VHL is an autosomal dominant disease with the occurrence of 1 in 36000 live births and 90% penetrance by 65 years of age [10]. The mean age of detection of pancreatic cyst is 36 years [10]. In VHL, although the presence of simple pancreatic cyst is the most frequent pancreatic manifestation (88%), there can be the presence of associated complex cystic or solid enhancing masses in the pancreas [4]. In most of the VHL cases, two or more pancreatic cysts are found.

Due to its benign nature, asymptomatic PDP with or without ADPKD do not require surgery or surveillance as seen in our case. However, the patients of PDP with VHL require regular radiological surveillance as they are likely to develop other complex cystic or solid masses during follow up [4]. Symptomatic pancreatic cysts can be treated by deroofing or resection. Pancreatic cysts with suspicion of malignancy should be resected.

PDP is a rare disease which should be included in differential diagnosis while evaluating a patient with pancreatic cysts. It is most frequently associated with ADPKD or VHL. Radiological imaging and cyst fluid analysis are very useful in differentiating these congenital cysts from pseudocyst and cystic pancreatic neoplasm.

Piyush Verma, Rahul Gupta, Arvind K Singh and Kewal Mistry collected data. Rahul Gupta, Arvind K Singh and Piyush Verma drafted the manuscript. Kewal Mistry and Pradip Pokharia edited the manuscript and figures. All the authors read and approved the final manuscript.

The authors declare no conflict of interest.