Inflammatory pseudotumor: big similarities and diagnostic challenges

J Surg Case Rep. 2024 Sep 4;2024(9):rjae562. doi: 10.1093/jscr/rjae562. eCollection 2024 Sep.

Abstract

Inflammatory pseudotumors are reactive and rare lesions of unknown origin. They are locally aggressive, but they generally do not extend beyond the affected organ, with a favorable prognosis after radical surgical resection. Symptoms and radiologic features are often nonspecific, and pathological examination plays a pivotal role in the diagnosis of inflammatory pseudotumors along with immunohistochemical staining to rule out differential diagnosis, especially myofibroblastic inflammatory tumor. Molecular biology can play a decisive role when these latter cannot establish a definitive diagnosis. Herein, we present a case study that describes a 65-year-old woman presenting a mesocolic mass. The patient underwent a surgical excision, which included a wedge gastric resection, transverse colectomy, and colocolic side-to-side stapled anastomosis. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry confirmed an inflammatory pseudotumor. Surgery remains the main treatment and depends on the location of the tumor. No recurrences are noted; however, a standardized follow-up protocol for inflammatory pseudotumors has yet to be established.

Keywords: case report; histopathology; immunohistochemistry; inflammatory pseudotumor; surgery.

Publication types

  • Case Reports