Published online Sep 14, 2018. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v24.i34.3958
Peer-review started: April 27, 2018
First decision: July 4, 2018
Revised: July 10, 2018
Accepted: July 22, 2018
Article in press: July 22, 2018
Published online: September 14, 2018
Castleman disease (CD) is a rare disorder of lymph nodes and related tissues. CD generally occurs in the mediastinum, as well as in cervical, retroperitoneal and axillary regions. The disease is classified into two major types: unicentric CD (UCD) and multicentric CD. The occurrence of UCD in the retroperitoneal peripancreatic region is quite rare. We encountered two cases of retroperitoneal peripancreatic UCD in our hospital during the past three years. Following a series of medical examinations, including magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, ultrasonography and postoperative histopathological examination, these two patients were diagnosed with UCD, which presented as a retroperitoneal peripancreatic mass. The mass in each patient was completely excised, and no postoperative radiochemotherapy was administered. Both patients recovered well without recurrence during a follow-up period of 30 mo and 8 mo.
Core tip: We report two typical cases of unicentric Castleman disease (UCD) presenting as a retroperitoneal peripancreatic mass. The clinical manifestations and imaging findings of these masses were nonspecific. UCD is difficult to diagnose prior to surgery, and the diagnosis is mainly by postoperative pathological examination. The occurrence of UCD in the abdominal cavity is very rare, especially in the retroperitoneal peripancreatic region. Importantly, both patients recovered well without postoperative radiochemotherapy. These case reports provide a valuable reference for the diagnosis and treatment of this disease.