A unique case of ectopic pancreas presenting as jejunal malignance. Issue 7 (11th July 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhang, Peng; Wang, Mojin; Bai, Lifen; Zhuang, Wen
• Is Part Of: Journal of surgical case reports. Volume 2019:Issue 7(2019)
• Publication Date: 2019-07-11
• Subjects: Surgery -- Periodicals; Surgery -- Case studies -- Periodicals; 617.005
• DOI: 10.1093/jscr/rjz217
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2042-8812

Abstract

Abstract: Ectopic pancreas is defined as pancreatic tissues having no anatomic or vascular connections with the orthotopic pancreas. It is difficult for clinicians to diagnose this disease without performing a histopathological examination because it lacks specific clinical manifestations. This case report is of a 46-year-old woman who presented with epigastric pain. She had elevated serum levels of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and carbohydrate antigen 72-4 (CA72-4). Abdominal contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) revealed a persistently enhanced mass in the proximal jejunum, which was confirmed as ectopic pancreas via histopathological examination. Her serum CEA and CA72-4 levels were restored to normal ranges after resecting the jejunal ectopic pancreas. This is the first reported case of ectopic pancreas causing an elevation in serum CEA and CA-724 levels; this report supports the metaplasia theory and suggests that jejunal masses should be cautiously diagnosed for avoiding unnecessary concerns among patients and their families.