Optimized surveillance intervals for low-risk side-branch intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms

Abstract

Background: Side-branch intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (SB-IPMNs) are pre-malignant pancreatic lesions with cumulative malignant transformation (high grade dysplasia [HGD] or pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma [PDAC]) rates of 5-20%. Surveillance intervals of SB-IPMNs vary depending on cyst and patient-specific features. To better define optimal surveillance intervals, we assessed the incidence of malignant transformation and the development of worrisome features (WFs) or high-risk stigmata (HRS) after initial presentation in SB-IPMNs≤2cm.