Laparoscopic spleen-preserving pancreatic resection for intrapancreatic accessory spleen: Case report

INTRODUCTION: Intrapancreatic accessory spleen (IPAS) has been rarely noted radiologically because the spatial resolution of conventional images was low. The infrequent presence of the accessory spleen in the pancreatic tissue could lead to inappropriate diagnosis, thereby necessitating a therapeutic approach. The present study reported such cases and summarized the available imaging findings to reduce unnecessary invasive surgeries. PATIENT CONCERNS: The patient's complaint was “a pancreatic mass was found for half a month.” DIAGNOSIS: IPAS was eventually diagnosed by pathology. INTERVENTIONS: Laparoscopic spleen-preserving pancreatic resection. OUTCOMES: Postoperative course was uneventful and the patient was discharged from our hospital after 10 days. CONCLUSIONS: When an asymptomatic pancreatic mass is detected, the diagnosis of IPAS should not be excluded, especially if the lesion has the same imaging features as the spleen. As a definite diagnosis of IPAS is difficult by a single examination, multiple techniques might be essential.