Well-differentiated SMARCB1-deficient Pancreatic Malignancy With Indolent Liver Metastases.
Yuto Kawate, Yuki Kitano, Keita Kai et al.
✦ AI-curated · Sources linked
Case in brief
A 66-year-old woman underwent distal pancreatectomy for a pancreatic tail malignancy, later developing liver metastases six years post-surgery. Initially misinterpreted as hemangiomas, the liver nodules enlarged over two years without abnormal tumor markers or PET findings. Partial hepatectomy revealed well-differentiated SMARCB1-deficient pancreatic malignancy with similar characteristics in both primary and metastatic lesions, indicating an indolent disease course.
What made this case unusual
The case highlights a well-differentiated SMARCB1-deficient pancreatic malignancy, which is rare and typically presents aggressively, yet this case exhibited an unexpectedly indolent metastatic behavior.
Diagnostic / clinical pearl
Clinicians should be aware that SMARCB1-deficient pancreatic malignancies can present with indolent liver metastases that may mimic benign lesions and remain undetected on metabolic imaging.
Why it matters
Recognizing this tumor type is crucial for appropriate management, as it may allow for local treatment options after a prolonged disease-free interval.