A case of macrocystic-type serous cystic neoplasm with repeated pancreatitis within a short period of time

The patient was a 39-year-old woman in whom computed tomography (CT) in 201X had revealed a pancreatic cystic neoplasm (PCN) of 4.3 cm in diameter in the pancreatic body. In June 201X + 3, the patient consulted our hospital regarding severe acute pancreatitis. The condition improved through treatment with large-volume fluid replacement and continuous regional arterial infusion therapy. Thereafter, acute pancreatitis recurred twice, in November 201X + 3 and in January 201X + 4. During an 8-month period, acute pancreatitis occurred three times. The PCN was examined by endoscopic ultrasound, thin-slice contrast-enhanced CT, and T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging, which led to the diagnosis of macrocystic-type serous cystic neoplasm (SCN). The SCN was found to be 5.8 cm in diameter with dilatation of the main pancreatic duct (MPD) caudal to the SCN for 3 years. We suspected that the repeated pancreatitis had been obstructive pancreatitis resulting from displacement of the MPD caused by the SCN, and therefore recommended that the patient undergo surgery for the SCN. In March 201X + 4, distal pancreatectomy was performed. In the resected specimen, a macrocystic-type SCN was diagnosed. No recurrence of acute pancreatitis has been observed postoperatively. A macrocystic-type SCN with repeated pancreatitis within a short period of time is rare.