Rare adult pancreatic hemangioma: review of the literature with a case report

Adult pancreatic hemangioma is an especially rare benign tumor that is hard to diagnose through imaging examinations, meanwhile its histopathological and immunohistochemical studies have rarely been reported. At this time, only 29 cases in 27 publications have been reported. We report a new case as well as review these literatures. A 71-year-old woman came to our hospital with slight pain on left upper abdomen for three days. But the results obtained from the physical or laboratory examination were all negative so that her symptoms could not be explained clearly. The imaging examinations including ultrasonography and computed tomography both showed a mixed mass in the neck of the pancreas. The preoperative diagnosis of cystadenoma or adenocarcinoma was made, with high suspicious of malignancy. The patient underwent a central pancreatectomy with pancreatojejunostomy, but the pathologic diagnosis was pancreatic hemangioma. The immunohistochemical examination found the positive benign vascular markers (CD31, CD34) and negative lymphocyte markers (D2-40). Moreover, Ki-67 negativity also revealed its benign nature. After 36 months of follow-up, the patient has no complaints for abdominal pain. In conclusion, adult pancreatic hemangioma is extremely rare without any specific clinical manifestations. It is usually diagnosed postoperatively by histological examination and immunohistochemical studies. Imaging examinations, including computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, can't give definite conclusion. Endoscopic-ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration is conditionally worth doing, which can give some hints and exclude the malignancy of the lesion. If malignancy can be safely ruled out, the surgical decision must be made according to risk-benefit analysist. Maybe close observation and regular follow-up are more beneficial options.