Autoimmune Pancreatitis in an Adolescent: A Diagnostic Challenge

• Main Authors: Rita Ramos, Inês Carneiro, Rui Palma, Paulo Calhau
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Karger Publishers 2019-10-01
• Series: GE: Portuguese Journal of Gastroenterology
• Subjects: pancreatitis; jaundice; adolescent
• Online Access: https://www.karger.com/Article/FullText/503455

Autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) is a distinct subtype of pancreatitis, rare in the pediatric population. Its pathophysiology is poorly understood. A pancreatic focal mass is frequently the clinical presentation, which imposes the differential diagnosis with a pancreatic tumor. This distinction is essential because the treatment of pancreatic tumors is surgical in contrast to the treatment of AIP, which is pharmacological. We describe a case of a 16-year-old girl with AIP who presented with obstructive jaundice, weight loss, fatigue, and a pancreatic mass. This case emphasizes the importance of considering this diagnosis to correctly treat and prevent an abusive pancreatic resection.