Misdiagnosed cystic pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor with bilobar hepatic metastasis managed with single-stage resection — a case report

Abstract

Abstract Background Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNET) account for less than 2% of all pancreatic tumors, while cystic PNETs account for only 10–18% of all resected PNETs. The most common site for metastasis is the liver. Few detailed guidelines currently exist for management of stage 4 cystic PNETs. This is a unique case that was managed with complete surgical resection in one sitting. Case presentation Our report is on a young male patient who was initially misdiagnosed as having a pancreatic pseudocyst and treated accordingly. He was finally diagnosed with PNET but was reluctant to undergo surgery until he developed bilobar hepatic metastasis. We performed a pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy with a Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy and wedge resection of both hepatic metastatic deposits. Conclusion Cystic PNETs are rare and commonly misdiagnosed as pancreatic pseudocysts. Surgical resection is considered ideal, but sparse literature exists on the management due to a paucity of cases. We have reported this case as it was successfully managed with single-stage surgery for both the primary tumor as well as bilobar hepatic metastatic deposits, and no similar cases have been reported in literature. The follow-up scan revealed no residual disease.