Autoimmune pancreatitis detected as a mass in the tail of the pancreas

A mass in the tail of the pancreas was detected in a 62-year-old male patie nt who had hypergammaglobulinaemia, and was positive for antinuclear antige n and anti-SS-A antibody. Endoscopic retrograde pancreatography revealed fo cal irregular narrowing of the main pancreatic duct in the tail of the panc reas. Dynamic computed tomography showed swelling of the pancreatic tail, w hich was enhanced on delayed phase. Autoimmune pancreatitis was suspected a nd corticosteroid therapy was commenced. This led to significant resolution of the pancreatic stricture. It is important to recognize this clinical en tity as corticosteroid therapy may avoid unnecessary surgery. (C) 2000 Blac kwell Science Asia Pty Ltd.