# Autoimmune Pancreatitis Presenting as Multifocal Masses: A Rare Case Report

**Authors:** Aqsa Khan, Rizwan Mushtaq, Essam Rashad, Kamran Mushtaq, Neil Sharma

PMC · DOI: 10.7759/cureus.78955 · Cureus · 2025-02-13

## TL;DR

A rare case of autoimmune pancreatitis mimicking cancer is reported, showing how steroid treatment can effectively resolve the condition.

## Contribution

Highlights an atypical presentation of Type 1 autoimmune pancreatitis with multifocal masses and successful corticosteroid treatment.

## Key findings

- A 64-year-old woman presented with lymphadenopathy and pancreatic abnormalities resembling malignancy.
- Biopsy confirmed Type 1 autoimmune pancreatitis and IgG4-related sialadenitis.
- Corticosteroid treatment resolved symptoms and improved imaging findings.

## Abstract

Autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) is an uncommon inflammatory condition that can mimic pancreatic malignancy both clinically and radiologically, leading to diagnostic uncertainty. Two subtypes exist: Type 1 is linked to systemic IgG4-related disease, and Type 2 is confined to the pancreas. A 64-year-old woman was found to have submandibular and cervical lymphadenopathy during a routine physical examination. Further imaging revealed FDG-avid lymph nodes and pancreatic abnormalities, raising concern for malignancy. However, biopsy results confirmed Type 1 autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) and IgG4-related sialadenitis. The patient was treated with corticosteroids, which resolved her symptoms and improved imaging findings. This case emphasizes the need to consider atypical presentations of AIP and highlights the effectiveness of steroid therapy in IgG4-related diseases.

## Linked entities

- **Diseases:** autoimmune pancreatitis (MONDO:0015175), IgG4-related disease (MONDO:0017287), IgG4-related sialadenitis (MONDO:0018674)

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** systemic (MESH:D015619), malignancy (MESH:D009369), pancreatic abnormalities (MESH:D010195), submandibular and cervical lymphadenopathy (MESH:D002575), AIP (MESH:D000081012), inflammatory condition (MESH:D007249), pancreatic malignancy (MESH:D010190), IgG4- (MESH:D000077733), sialadenitis (MESH:D012793)
- **Chemicals:** steroid (MESH:D013256), FDG (MESH:D019788)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]

## Full text

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## Figures

5 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC11910199/full.md

## References

12 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC11910199/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC11910199