Shifting pancreatic enlargement in a patient with autoimmune pancreatitis

Abstract

Autoimmune pancreatitis is reported to account for approximately 5% of all causes of chronic pancreatitis. Herein, we describe a patient with Sjogren's syndrome, who had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer three years earlier, but had declined any surgical intervention. The presence of Sjogren's syndrome, the benign course over the ascending three years, the elevated serum IgG4 with a subsequent decline after therapy and a normalization of pancreatic size following glucocorticoid therapy are all suggestive of autoimmune pancreatitis. Recognition of this clinical entity may save patients from unnecessary surgery.