Abstract
Pancreatic intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) comprise a majority of
pancreatic cystic neoplasms and are precursors of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.
Ideal management involves surgical resection of IPMN that harbors high-grade dysplasia
prior to the development of invasive disease in appropriate patients. Additionally,
identification of low-risk IPMN allows for avoidance of unnecessary morbidity associated
with surgical resection. Malignant potential varies widely and it can be difficult
to predict which IPMNs are at highest risk. A number of studies and guidelines have
been published to assist clinicians in stratification of IPMNs into those that should
be considered for surgical resection, those which warrant close surveillance, and
those in whom you may safely consider cessation of surveillance. This review will
summarize recent literature that can help guide the clinical management of IPMN based
on malignant potential.
Keywords
intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm - pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma - guidelines
