Prevalence and clinical significance of pancreatic cystic lesions in immunosuppressed patients following solid organ transplantation

Abstract

Background: Pancreatic cystic lesions (PCLs) are occasionally found in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients. In such recipients, the risk of cancer is increased due to immunosuppressive therapy. This study investigated the prevalence of PCLs and described their clinical course in immunosuppressed patients following SOT.

Methods: The presence of PCLs in a retrospective cohort of 805 consecutive SOT recipients from 2009 to 2019 was examined. The characteristics of PCLs were compared using initial and follow-up imaging, where available. These results were compared to an age- and sex-matched immunocompetent control group monitored for at least 12 months.

Results: PCLs were present in 15 of 805 SOT patients (seven liver and eight kidney transplantations). The median diameter of the largest lesion was 20 mm (range, 0.2–60 mm) and 60% of lesions were benign. During follow-up imaging, the cyst size remained stable in 46.7%, increased in 13.3%, and decreased in 40.0% of the SOT group. Significantly more of the SOT patients showed PCL size reductions (P=0.007). Among SOT patients diagnosed with intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (6/15), worrisome features were noted in one patient at the time of cyst diagnosis. Differences in the development of worrisome features between the study and control groups were not statistically significant.

Conclusions: The malignant transformation of PCLs in SOT recipients is rare and most such PCLs can be managed conservatively. The presence of a PCL should therefore not affect transplant eligibility.