Introduction
Radiologists are finding it difficult and challenging to detect the pancreatic pathologies as the diverse range of diseases impersonates pancreatic neoplasm [1–3]. Such maladies are mostly signified as pancreatic pseudo-tumors. Multiple illnesses fall under the umbrella of the pancreatic pseudo-tumors including autoimmune pancreatitis, intra-pancreatic accessory spleen, abrupt pancreatic hemorrhage, chronic pancreatitis, groove pancreatitis and fatty replacement of the pancreas [4–6]. Non-cancerous lesions, often indicated as pseudo-tumors are revealed in around 5-10% patients undergoing pancreatectomies on account of a conjecture diagnosis of malignancy entrenched via radiology [7,8].
The usual pathogenesis of this disease is secondary to chronic inflammatory conditions. It may result due to a genetic or developmental defect, several infections, physical injuries and lympho-proliferative disorders [8, 9]. The degree to which pseudo-tumors imitate life taking diseases can lead to interventions that can jeopardize the patient’s health, thereby increasing the mortality rates. Moreover, the wide range of differentials further complicates the process of reaching to a definitive diagnosis [10]. Hence, it is essential to initiate a prompt medical assessment in order to extract the final diagnosis followed by a rapid treatment for each patient diagnosed with a pancreatic mass [10].
Herein, we present a set of patients presenting with a pancreatic mass on abdominal CT scan indicative of a pancreatic pseudo tumor. The purpose is to highlight the imaging features and biochemical markers of autoimmune pancreatitis/IgG4 related pancreatic disease that helps to differentiate this entity from a true pancreatic tumor.