DDSEP® 8 Quick quiz - September 2017 Question 2

Answer B

Objective: Recognize the clinical presentation and imaging features of main duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN)

Critique: The patient’s imaging is consistent with main duct IPMN and the mild pancreatitis is likely a consequence of mucin plugging and obstruction. Main duct IPMN is associated with a higher incidence of malignancy, compared with branch duct IPMN and surgical resection is recommended if the patient is a surgical candidate.

While further sampling with endoscopic ultrasound or endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography may be helpful, these tests have a low sensitivity for identifying dysplasia and are unlikely to change management. Surveillance with MRI would be appropriate if the patient does not wish to undergo surgery at this time.