Case Report: Ectopic pancreas mimicking gastrointestinal subepithelial tumors: diagnostic challenges in two surgically confirmed sibling cases - Report - MDSpire
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Clinical Report: Ectopic Pancreas Resembling Subepithelial Tumors in the Gastrointestinal Tract: Diagnostic Difficulties in Two Sibling Cases Confirmed by Surgery
Ectopic pancreas is a congenital anomaly that can occur in various gastrointestinal sites and often presents with nonspecific symptoms, making diagnosis challenging. It frequently mimics gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) and other subepithelial lesions, complicating preoperative assessment. Accurate diagnosis is crucial as it impacts management and surgical decisions. [Source needed]
Data Highlights
No numerical data or trial data was provided in the source material.
Key Findings
Case 1 involved an asymptomatic younger sister with gastric and small intestinal lesions, initially suspected to be GIST.
Case 2 involved the elder sister who presented with abdominal pain and a jejunal mass, also suspected to be GIST preoperatively.
Histopathological examination confirmed ectopic pancreas in both cases, showing mature pancreatic acini, ducts, and islets.
Both patients had no evidence of recurrence or significant symptoms during follow-up until April 2026.
Clinical Implications
Clinicians should be aware that ectopic pancreas can present as a subepithelial tumor-like mass, complicating the differential diagnosis with GIST and other lesions. Histopathological examination remains essential for definitive diagnosis.
Conclusion
Ectopic pancreas can closely mimic gastrointestinal tumors on imaging.
