Document Type

Report

Publication Date

1-26-2026

Comments

This article is the author’s final published version in Journal of Pediatric Surgery Case Reports, Volume 126, 2026, Article number 103203.

The published version is available at https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsc.2026.103203. Copyright © 2026 The Authors.

 

Abstract

Introduction Solid pseudopapillary epithelial neoplasm (SPEN) is a rare pancreatic tumor that typically presents in adult women and is usually asymptomatic. Case presentation A 12-year-old male presented to the emergency department with worsening abdominal pain one day after suffering mild abdominal trauma during a soccer match. Physical exam showed diffuse abdominal tenderness and guarding. CT abdomen with IV contrast showed a heterogeneous, round structure adjacent to the pancreatic tail with mass effect upon the spleen. MRI abdomen revealed a “claw sign” of pancreatic tissue surrounding the structure, suggesting a an underlying pancreatic mass with capsular rupture measuring 8.3 x 8.1 × 8cm. This finding indicated the need for open distal pancreatectomy. Intraoperatively, safe separation of the splenic vasculature from the mass proved impossible and splenectomy was performed. A drain was left in place. Postoperatively, the patient recovered without complication. At one month follow-up, the patient was seen doing well. A drain amylase did not show evidence of a pancreatic leak and was removed. Histopathology later confirmed the diagnosis of SPEN of the pancreas. Conclusion Traumatic rupture of SPEN of the pancreas is a rare initial presentation. Distal pancreatectomy shortly after presentation appears to be safe and may require splenectomy if the splenic vasculature appears inseparable from the tumor.

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.

Language

English

Download

Share

COinS