Pancreatic kaposiform hemangioendothelioma complicated by Kasabach–Merritt phenomenon: A rare entity

Abstract

Primary pancreatic tumours are a rare and unusual entity in children. In this article, we present the case of an 8-month-old girl who presented with obstructive jaundice. The differential diagnosis based on imaging studies was that of a pancreatic vascular neoplasm; however, with the laboratory evidence of Kasabach–Merritt phenomenon (KMP), this prompted the diagnosis of pancreatic kaposiform hemangioendothelioma. A core biopsy of the pancreatic mass was taken at laparotomy and confirmed this diagnosis. The pancreas is an exceedingly rare site of occurrence for this tumour, with only nine cases being published to date. The clinical, biochemical, imaging and pathological findings are discussed to highlight a rare and potentially life-threatening vascular tumour.