Sarcoidosis of the pancreas

Abstract

We report a case of pancreatic sarcoidosis in a patient with radiographic and clinical findings suggestive of pancreatic cancer. Clinically apparent involvement of the pancreas is uncommon in patients with known sarcoidosis and is distinctly unusual as the initial presentation of disease. Sarcoid involvement of the pancreas can mimic adenocarcinoma and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a pancreatic mass in a patient with symptoms suggestive of sarcoidosis.

Hepatic, Splenic, and Gastrointestinal Involvement with Sarcoidosis

“…Fewer than 20 cases have been reported in the literature. 94,95 Sarcoidosis of the pancreas may present as a pancreatic mass on abdominal CT scan or at surgery, [94][95][96][97] or the pancreas may be diffusely infiltrated with noncaseating granulomas. [98][99][100][101] Presenting symptoms include abdominal pain, weight loss, and nausea.…”

Cytologic Diagnosis of Pancreatic Tuberculosis in Immunocompetent and Immunocompromised Patients

“…These findings, along with a chest radiograph demonstrating bilateral hilar adenopathy, are diagnostic of sarcoidosis. 15 More commonly, these findings may be present in primary malignancies, such as lymphoma and carcinoma, as a result of an immune reaction to tumor antigen. 16 In rare cases the pancreas may be affected by Crohn's disease, presenting as a mass lesion in the head of the organ.…”

Sarcoidosis in the aged: review and management

“…All suggested pancreatic cancer. Histology of the pancreatic mass and periportal lymph nodes revealed sarcoid granulomas [27]. Hepatic and splenic involvement: 60-year-old, 66-year-old, and 67-year-old hepatic sarcoidosis patients with chest radiographic stage I, II, and III showed multiple hepatic mass lesions on abdominal CT films.…”