Pancreatic acinar cystadenoma in a background of diffuse multifocal pancreatic cystic lesions: A case report

INTRODUCTION: Acinar cell cystadenoma (ACA) is very rare and benign neoplasm of the pancreas; it arises from the normal acinar parenchyma of the pancreas and may exist as solitary or diffuse lesions. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We here present a case of thirty-seven years old gentleman who incidentally was found to have multifocal cystic lesions distributed throughout the tail, body and uncinate process of the pancreas. DISCUSSION: Pre-operative diagnosis of pancreatic ACA remains very difficult and challenging despite advances in imaging techniques. Due to diffuse involvement of the pancreas by different size cystic lesions in this case, the initial diagnosis was suspected to be SB-IPMNs. A Surgical resection was performed, and pathological analysis of the lesions was consistent with ACAs. CONCLUSION: To avoid unnecessary major pancreatic resection and its consequent complications. We hereby recommend clinicians to have a high index of suspicion for ACA within the differential of pancreatic cystic neoplasm.