Pancreatic mass as an initial presentation of severe Wegener's granulomatosis

Abstract

Acute pancreatitis or a pancreatic mass is a very rare initial presentation of Wegener's granulomatosis. A 62-year-old woman presented with tumor-like pancreatitis and otitis media
Abdominal ultrasound and magnetic resonance suggested the presence of pancreatic tumor. Ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration was negative. Distal pancreatic resection and splenectomy were performed and histopathology proved Wegener's vasculitis of the pancreas and spleen. Azathioprine and steroids were subsequently started and six months later the patient was asymptomatic. Involvement of the pancreas could be considered as a presenting symptom of Wegener's vasculitis.

Keywords Wegener's granulomatosis, vasculitis, pancreatic mass, pancreatitis