First report of small cell lung cancer with PTHrP-induced hypercalcemic pancreatitis causing disconnected duct syndrome

Abstract

Here we report a patient diagnosed with small cell lung cancer after first presenting with parathyroid hormone-related peptide-induced hypercalcemic pancreatitis and developed walled-off necrosis that resulted in disruption of the main pancreatic duct. Disconnected duct syndrome (DDS) is a rare syndrome that occurs when the main pancreatic duct exocrine flow is disrupted resulting in leakage of pancreatic enzymes and further inflammatory sequela. To date, no prior reports have described DDS occurring with paraneoplastic reactions. Diagnostic imaging techniques and therapeutic interventions are reviewed to provide insight into current approaches to DDS.

Key Words: Disconnected duct syndrome; Parathyroid hormone-related peptide; Hypercalcemic pancreatitis

Core tip: Acute recurrent pancreatitis flares should raise concern for disconnected duct syndrome (DDS). This case is the first reported case of DDS caused by paraneoplastic hypercalcemia. Paraneoplastic syndromes may predispose patients to prolonged hypercalcemic pancreatitis and in turn, may predispose patients to DDS. Furthermore, this case report reviews the current approach and treatment difficulties of DDS as well as pancreatic walled-off necrosis.

INTRODUCTION

Disconnected duct syndrome (DDS) is a pancreatic syndrome where the main pancreatic duct is occluded and pancreatic exocrine flow leaks into the pancreatic parenchyma[1]. This syndrome frequently results in further inflammatory reactions such as sepsis, development of pseudocysts, and fistulizing disease. Etiologies of DDS are more commonly from mass-like lesions such as large pseudocysts, walled-off necrosis, or neoplasms obstructing the main pancreatic duct[1]. DDS often is difficult to treat due to narrow or complete occlusions requiring cannulation and increased surgical morbidity and mortality. Additionally, this case report discusses a unique cause of DDS and the current approaches used for diagnosis and treatment. To date, this is the first report of a DDS being related to a paraneoplastic syndrome.

CASE REPORT

A 38-year-old man with newly diagnosed small cell lung cancer (SCLC) presented in late July 2016 with acute onset epigastric pain, nausea, and vomiting. He was admitted one month prior for acute pancreatitis secondary to a calcium of 13.7 mg/dL (normal 8.4-10.3 mg/dL). He denied alcohol history or previous gall stones at that time, and imaging work up was only positive for pancreatic inflammation and a lung mass determined by biopsy to be SCLC. No evidence of bone metastasis was seen on imaging. During the July 2016 admission, vital signs at presentation were blood pressure 143/99 mmHg, heart rate 120 beat/min, respiratory rate 14 breaths/min, oxygen saturation 100%, temperature 36.6 °C, and physical exam was only positive for epigastric tenderness. Labs demonstrated a serum lipase of 2030 U/L (normal < 90 U/L), serum calcium of 11 mg/dL (normal 8.4-10.3 mg/dL), parathyroid hormone less than 9 pG/mL (normal 12-65 pG/mL) and parathyroid-related peptide of 3.9 pmol/L (normal < 2 pmol/L). Triglycerides were normal. Abdominal ultrasound revealed no evidence of gallstones. MRI of the abdomen with magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) showed multiple cystic areas with rim enhancement replacing large portions of the pancreatic body with the largest centered in the mid-body of the pancreas measuring 3.5 cm × 6.2 cm compressing the main pancreatic duct as well as a 2 cm × 4.3 cm collection extending into the pancreatic groove (Figure 1). MRCP displayed complete lack of enhancement of the main pancreatic duct (Figure 2). A diagnosis of DDS was made based off of these findings. Development of the walled-off necrosis and pancreatic inflammation was thought to be secondary to repeated paraneoplastic-induced pancreatitis episodes. ERCP-guided cannulation of main pancreatic duct past the pancreatic head was unsuccessful due to complete occlusion of the duct (Figure 3). Pancreatic duct stent placement was unsuccessful. Endoscopic ultrasound visualized the walled off necrosis, but transmural drainage was avoided due to symptomatic improvement with conservative management. The patient was managed conservatively with pain management and bisphosphonates over the following 24 wk until cholecystectomy and surgical necrosectomy were performed. The surgery was uncomplicated. Currently, the patient was transitioned to home hospice due to progression of his cancer.

Figure 1 Magnetic resonance imaging of abdomen with and without contrast during July 2016 presentation. Image displays large walled-off necrosis within the body and tail of the pancreas (arrows).

Figure 2 Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography performed during July 2016 admission. Image displays poorly defined main pancreatic duct (green arrows) throughout the pancreas. Common bile duct defined well (yellow arrow) with lack of contrast accentuating the main pancreatic duct. A large walled-off necrosis well imaged again (star).

Figure 3 Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography performed during July 2016 admission. Image displays failure of contrast dye to define pancreatic duct and failure of guidewire to cannulate pancreatic duct. Guidewire continues to be diverted to common bile duct which provides evidence of pancreatic duct obstruction.

DISCUSSION

Acute pancreatitis is defined by the Atlanta Classification as having: (1) Typical pain; (2) imaging showing pancreatic inflammation; and (3) elevation in amylase or lipase > 3 × the upper limit of normal. Two of the three criteria must be present to confirm the diagnosis[2]. Acute pancreatitis can be complicated by the formation of fluid collections which have been defined and characterized by the 2012 revised Atlanta Classification (Table 1)[2]. Major distinguishing features of fluid collections are the required time for formation, the presence of an encapsulating inflammatory wall, and heterogeneity[2]. An acute peripancreatic fluid collection (APFC) is a collection of adjacent fluid that develops within the first four weeks of the initial pancreatitis[2]. APFC is not contained by a visible encapsulating inflammatory wall and is a homogeneous collection with fluid density[2]. In contrast, a pancreatic pseudocyst is a fluid collection usually outside of the pancreas and typically requires four weeks or more to develop[2]. A pseudocyst has a visible encapsulating inflammatory wall and is homogeneous with only fluid components[2]. If acute pancreatitis progresses to necrotizing pancreatitis, an acute necrotic collection (ANC) can develop. An ANC develops usually less than four weeks from initial event and does not have visible encapsulating walls. ANC can be distinguished from an APFC by a heterogeneous appearance from localized liquid and necrotic pancreatic tissue. After approximately four weeks, an ANC will develop an encapsulated inflammatory wall which is termed a walled-off necrosis (WON). A WON will continue to have a heterogeneous appearance from accumulated fluid and necrotic pancreatic tissue[2].

Table 1 Definitions and descriptions of structural complications of acute pancreatitis.

Structural complications of acute pancreatitis[2]
Acute peripancreatic fluid collection	Defined as peripancreatic fluid within the first 4 wk of interstitial edematous pancreatitis Homogeneous collection with fluid density No visible encapsulating wall around fluid collection Adjacent to pancreas
Pancreatic pseudocyst	Defined as an encapsulated fluid collection usually forming > 4 wk from initial pancreatitis event with visible inflammatory wall typically outside the pancreas with minimal or no necrotic features forming Homogeneous fluid density with no non-liquid components
Acute necrotic collection	Defined as a fluid collection with variable amounts of fluid and necrosis without a visible encapsulating wall Only can occur with necrotizing pancreatitis Can involve pancreatic parenchyma and/or peripancreatic tissue Heterogeneous and non-liquid density of varying degrees
Walled-off necrosis	Defined as a mature collection of pancreatic and/or peripancreatic necrosis with an encapsulating inflammatory wall typically requiring > 4 wk from initial pancreatitis to form Only can occur with necrotizing pancreatitis Heterogeneous with liquid and non-liquid density with varying degrees of loculation

Acute recurrent pancreatitis is a clinical condition that is defined as two or more attacks of pancreatitis without evidence of underlying chronic pancreatitis[3]. Acute recurrent pancreatitis is often attributed to gallstones, alcohol ingestion, or idiopathic causes[3]. Furthermore, acute recurrent pancreatitis can progress to necrotizing pancreatitis and develop inflammatory fluid collections that obstruct pancreatic duct drainage, termed DDS. DDS should be considered on a differential diagnosis particularly when a patient presents with repeated bouts of pancreatitis and enlarging pancreatic fluid collections. DDS is a syndrome that starts with an episode of acute pancreatitis that typically develops a large fluid collection or necrosis. This initial fluid collection results in compression of the main pancreatic duct. Disruption of the main pancreatic duct flow, most commonly in the neck or body of the pancreas[4], results in blockage and leakage of distal drainage of pancreatic enzymes. Leakage of these enzymes into the pancreatic parenchyma results in further inflammatory sequela such as more fluid collections, fistulas, or sepsis. Causes of DDS all result in a significant narrowing or complete occlusion of the main pancreatic duct. More frequently encountered causes of duct obstruction are large pseudocysts, necrotic lesions, trauma, and abdominal neoplasms[4,5]. Less commonly, causes such as intra-ductal pancreatic mucinous neoplasm or calculi can result in DDS. Of note, acute recurrent pancreatitis as a presenting feature of SCLC is rare and if present, pancreatitis is more commonly from metastatic lesions obstructing the pancreatic duct rather than PTHrP-induced hypercalcemia[6]. Hypercalcemia results typically from either elevated PTHrP production or osteolytic activity from bone metastasis. Paraneoplastic hypercalcemia is most commonly associated with squamous cell carcinoma of the lung as opposed to small cell lung cancer[7]. The presence of paraneoplastic hypercalcemia in lung cancer has been associated with poorer survival outcomes[8]. No previous cases have reported DDS developing from PTHrP-induced hypercalcemic pancreatitis. There is no clear consensus on which cause of pancreatitis is most likely to result in DDS. This patient possessed persistent hypercalcemia and an aggressive malignancy, both risk factors for pancreatitis, and in turn, risks for development of DDS.

Patients presenting with acute pancreatitis will often have already received an abdominal ultrasound and/or CT abdomen with and without contrast in the emergency department to visualize causes of pancreatic inflammation. In patients with suspected DDS, MRCP is particularly useful by providing detailed mapping of the pancreaticobiliary ducts[4]. ERCP is no longer routinely used for diagnostic purposes as MRCP can provide the same information without the risks associated with ERCP, but is undertaken with therapeutic intentions such as relieving obstructions via stent placement and displaying resolution of obstruction on repeat fluoroscopy[9]. Additionally, endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is utilized for more accurate visualization of the pancreatic duct and ultrasound-guided drainage of large fluid collections causing obstruction of the duct[10]. For cases of DDS involving WON, endoscopic necrosectomy can be coupled with EUS to relieve obstructions by debriding and opening necrotic septa through gastric or duodenum access[11].

Whenever possible, definitive intervention is delayed 4 wk or more to allow organization of necrotic collections and development of an encapsulating wall[12]. Initially, if the patient is clinically stable, a minimally invasive approach can be performed to relieve ductal compression with endoscopic/percutaneous approaches favored over open surgical necrosectomy[12,13]. If endoscopic interventions are unsuccessful, surgical intervention (i.e. necrosectomy, Roux-en-Y, or debridement) is required to relieve obstructions. While data suggests that minimally invasive approaches are superior to surgical intervention for necrosectomy, whether endoscopic or surgical intervention is superior for DDS is still a subject of debate[14,15]. For DDS, endoscopic intervention is typically first-line and less invasive than surgery, but success is dependent on cannulation of narrow strictures and stent placement in cases of ERCP and optimal positioning of lesions for drainage in cases of EUS[14]. Surgical interventions are often successful at relieving obstructions, but often are associated with higher morbidity and mortality compared to endoscopy[11,13,15]. This case demonstrates the approach to a unique case of DDS and highlights the difficulty associated with treatment of DDS. Additionally, this case is evidence of the importance of earlier detection of lesions prior to complete ductal obstructions. In complete pancreatic duct obstructions, ERCP efficacy may be limited and result in patients having to undertake greater morbidity and mortality risks to relieve obstructions.

COMMENTS

Case characteristics

A 38-year-old man with small cell lung cancer presented with acute onset epigastric pain, nausea and vomiting.

Clinical diagnosis

Tenderness in the epigastric region of the abdomen and tachycardia.

Differential diagnosis

Acute hypercalcemic pancreatitis, acute recurrent pancreatitis, gastric ulcer, erosive gastropathy, cholelithiasis, choledocholithiasis.

Laboratory diagnosis

Labs demonstrated lipase 2030 U/L (normal < 90 U/L), serum calcium of 11 mg/dL (normal 8.4-10.3 mg/dL), parathyroid hormone less than 9 pG/mL (normal 12-65 pG/mL), parathyroid-related peptide of 3.9 pmol/L (normal < 2 pmol/L), and normal triglycerides.

Imaging diagnosis

Magnetic resonance imaging with magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography showed multiple cystic areas with rim enhancement replacing large portions of the pancreatic body with the largest centered in the mid-body of the pancreas measuring 3.5 cm × 6.2 cm compressing the main pancreatic duct as well as a 2 cm × 4.3 cm collection extending into the pancreatic groove.

Treatment

Unsuccessful endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography-guided main pancreatic stent placement followed by successful surgical necrosectomy and cholecystectomy.

Related reports

Disconnected duct syndrome (DDS) is rare syndrome that often presents with recurrent pancreatitis flares. The syndrome is more commonly caused by mass lesions obstructing the main pancreatic duct. Paraneoplastic hypercalcemia is more often associated with squamous cell lung cancer as opposed to small cell lung cancer.

Term explanation

DDS is a pancreatic syndrome where the main pancreatic duct is occluded and pancreatic exocrine flow leaks into the pancreatic parenchyma. This syndrome frequently results in further inflammatory reactions such as sepsis, development of pseudocysts, and fistulizing disease.

Experiences and lessons

Acute recurrent pancreatitis should raise concerns for DDS due to exocrine leakage into pancreatic parenchyma causing repeated inflammatory reactions. Although less common than squamous cell lung cancer, small cell lung cancer can result in paraneoplastic hypercalcemia which can expose patients to prolonged risks of pancreatitis. This prolonged risk of pancreatitis may increase the risk for develop of DDS.

Peer-review

This is an interesting case for physician.