Differentiation of autoimmune pancreatitis from pancreatic carcinoma based on imaging examinations

Autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) is relatively rare. The course of the disease may suggest the presence of pancreatic cancer. The final diagnosis is based on the clinical picture, and radiological and histopathological findings. AIP is well-treated with systemic glucocorticosteroids, and it has a long-term and recurrent course. However, pancreatic carcinoma (PC) is a very aggressive disease. At the time of diagnosis, the tumour is often significantly advanced locally, or distant metastases are present. Diagnosis of pancreatic cancer is associated with a heavy treatment process and poor prognosis. Proper differentiation of these two diseases seems to be crucial for further management of the patient.

The aim of the study is to present a case of a patient with a long-term course of AIP suggesting pancreatic cancer diagnosis based on imaging examinations.

The picture of morphological changes in cases of AIP and PC may be very similar. The diagnostic pathway of both disease states is therefore very similar. Cooperation between clinicians, radiologists, and pathomorphologists is decisive. The clinical picture and the results of additional tests should be carefully analysed to avoid unnecessary pancreatectomy in the course of AIP.