Demonstration of microcystic disease of the pancreas by magnetic resonancecholangiopancreatography: Report of a case

A case of microcystic disease of the pancreas which was clearly demonstrate d by magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) is reported herein. Cystic dilatation of the pancreatic duct was recognized by computed tomogr aphy scanning and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), Fu rthermore, the existence of microcystic clusters surrounding the dilated pa ncreatic duct were clearly visualized by MRCP, These microcystic clusters w ere strongly suspected preoperatively of having caused dilatation of the ma jor pancreatic duct. Based on these findings, a distal pancreatectomy was p erformed. The operative specimen showed no accumulation of mucin and no evi dent lesions in the dilated pancreatic duct, being inconsistent,vith the en tity of a mucus-producing tumor. Pathological examination revealed that the inner parts of microcysts constituted columnar epithelium,vith mucus produ ction and papillary growth. Thus, a final histological diagnosis of intradu ctal papillary adenoma with idiopathic pancreatic duct ectasia was confirme d. In conclusion, MRCP, being a less aggressive diagnostic procedure than E RCP, proved extremely useful for obtaining precise information on cystic le sions of the pancreas in this patient.