Branch-duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm and embolic stroke of unknown cause

Background: In many embolic strokes, the specific embolic source might be uncertain. When we found asymptomatic branch-duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (BD-IPMNs) in patients with ischemic stroke of unknown cause, most of gastroenterologists might undervalue it as a potential thromboembolic sources.

Methods: We report 4 patients with embolic stroke of unknown cause and incidental BD-IPMNs.

Results: Magnetic resonance imaging revealed multiple embolic infarctions. Recommended cardiac examinations, such as 24-hour Holter monitoring and transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography, were normal. Other cancer markers and molecular markers of hypercoagulopathy were normal. On abdominal computed tomography scan, performed to detect hidden malignancy, a low attenuated lesion with a diameter of less than 3 cm was observed in the pancreas.

Conclusion: Although BD-IPMNs are associated with a lower rate of malignancy than main-duct IPMNs, the BD-IPMNs had some malignant potential and frequently coexist with extrapancreatic or intrapancreatic cancers. Therefore, we suggest that, in some cases, the BD-IPMNs might be considered as a thromboembolic source.