Case ReportMagnetic resonance imaging findings of undifferentiated carcinoma with osteoclast-like giant cells of pancreas
Introduction
Undifferentiated carcinoma with osteoclast-like giant cells (UCOG) of the pancreas is a rare neoplasm comprising less than 1% of all exocrine pancreatic tumors [1], [2]. Less than 50 cases of such tumors have been reported in the English literature. This neoplasm is composed of two distinct cell populations: a mononuclear cell population and osteoclastic tumor giant cells of uncertain lineage. The tumor frequently shows an inhomogeneous appearance with cystic change [1]. The pathogenesis of the tumor is still controversial. Imaging findings for this unusual tumor are seldom reported, and to our knowledge, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of this tumor have not been reported yet. In this report, we describe a case of undifferentiated carcinoma of the pancreas with osteoclast-like giant cells and imaging findings from both computed tomography (CT) and MRI.
Section snippets
Case report
A 58-year-old man presented with abdominal pain at the left upper quadrant and weight loss of 8 kg over 3 months. Results of routine laboratory examinations including tumor markers such as α-fetoprotein, carbohydrate antigen 19-9, and carcinoembryonic antigen were within normal range.
Ultrasonography (US) revealed a hypoechoic mass in the body of the pancreas (Fig. 1a). Precontrast CT scans showed a 5×5-cm mass lesion arising from the body of the pancreas with subtle high attenuation at the
Discussion
UCOG of the pancreas, formerly known as osteoclast-like giant cell tumor, is a rare neoplasm of the pancreas and comprises less than 1% of nonendocrine pancreatic tumors [1], [2]. This tumor tends to occur in elderly patients with no gender predominance [2], [3], [4]. The symptoms are nonspecific, and the most common signs and symptoms are abdominal pain, a palpable mass, weight loss, fatigue, anorexia, and jaundice. Preoperative imaging diagnosis of the tumor is difficult, and all reported
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