Obstructive Jaundice Mimicking Pancreatic Cancer: An Unusual Presentation of Autoimmune Pancreatitis

Abstract

Autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) is an uncommon variant of chronic pancreatitis characterized by inflammatory changes within the pancreatic tissue triggered by autoimmune mechanisms. It is known to mimic pancreatic cancer due to its similar clinical and radiological presentations. We underline a case of a 55-year-old male who presented with weight loss, jaundice, and pruritus. Radiological imaging suggested a pancreatic mass, raising suspicion of malignancy. However, subsequent evaluation, absence of parenchymal tissue and lymphoplasmacytic cells on endoscopic ultrasound-guided biopsy, and elevated serum immunoglobulin G4 level resulted in the diagnosis of AIP. Our case emphasizes that AIP should be included in the differential diagnosis of obstructive jaundice, especially when clinical and radiological findings are inconclusive for pancreatic cancer.