ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Acinar cell carcinoma (ACC) is a rare malignancy of the pancreas arising from acinar cells. Unlike ductal adenocarcinoma, this tumor rarely presents with pancreatitis. METHODS: We present a case of ACC associated with chronic calcifying pancreatitis, and a review of the literature focusing on diagnosis and management. RESULTS: A 43-year-old man was proposed for Wirsungojejunal derivation for chronic pancreatitis. Histopathological examination of the tissue extracted revealed an ACC. Duodenopancreatectomy was performed. Six months post-operatively, the patient developed hepatic metastasis and was treated with gemcitabine as palliative chemotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical presentation of ACC of the pancreas is not specific and the tumor can be under-diagnosed when associated with chronic pancreatitis. Data regarding course, treatment, and prognosis of this tumor are generally lacking.
