One Case of Mucinous Ductal Ectasia Diagnosed with Ultrathin Pancreatoxcopy

Abstract

Mucinous ductal ectasia(MDE) is a newly described entity of mucinous neoplasm of pancreas with characteristic endoscopic and pancreatographic findings. It is charaeterized by a patulous duodenal papilla extruding mucus and a pancreatogram showing dilatation with amorphous filling defects, communication of the mass with the pancreatic duct. MDE is intraductal lesion consisting of dilated "cystified" ducts lined by mucin-producing columnar cells. The lesion is usually located in the head or uncinate process. When the radiographic appearance of the ERCP cannot provide sufficient information for definite diagnosis, additional endoscopic visualization is desirable. With the advent of pancreatoscopy, an endoscopic procedure is now available that has proven to enhance diagnostic accuracy. The 0.8-mm ultrathin pancreatoscope allows macroscopic diagnosis under direct vision. Endoscopic sphincterotomy is not required, and insertion into the pancreatic duct is feasible in most cases with the aid of guidewires. Major indications are unclear filling defects on ERCP, strictures of uncertain origin, and duct cut-offs. A limitation of this procedure are the lack of angulation, insufficient illumination, fragility of endoscopic equipment, and nonspecific findings. In addition, biopsy while directly viewing the lesion is impossible at present. We experienced one case of MDE who presented with the symptom of weight loss. Ultrathin pancreatoscopy was useful for the direct visualization af pancreatic duct in the differential diagnosis of filling defects of main pancreatic duct. (Korean J Gastrointest Endose 16: 807-813, 1996)