Diagnostic Challenges in Autoimmune Pancreatitis: A Case of Progressive Painless Jaundice With an Uncertain Etiology

Autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) is a rare cause of pancreatitis compared with more common etiologies such as gallstone or alcohol-related pancreatitis. In this report, we present the case of a 61-year-old man with no significant past medical history who presented with progressive, painless jaundice. His non-specific clinical presentation was compatible with a broad differential diagnosis, initially raising concern for malignant biliary obstruction. Ultimately, endoscopic ultrasound with tissue biopsy was required to establish the diagnosis of AIP, highlighting the diagnostic challenges posed by this uncommon entity.

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Publication Details

Journal
Cureus
Published
2026-01-14
DOI
https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.101544
Primary Topic
IgG4-Related and Inflammatory Diseases
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
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article

Diagnostic Challenges in Autoimmune Pancreatitis: A Case of Progressive Painless Jaundice With an Uncertain Etiology

Idan Grossmann, Shuvendu Sen, Lee Peng, Sidra Ahsan et al.
Cureus
IgG4-Related and Inflammatory Diseases
article

Diagnostic Challenges in Autoimmune Pancreatitis: A Case of Progressive Painless Jaundice With an Uncertain Etiology

Idan Grossmann, Shuvendu Sen, Lee Peng, Sidra Ahsan, Xiu Sun
article en

Abstract

Autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) is a rare cause of pancreatitis compared with more common etiologies such as gallstone or alcohol-related pancreatitis. In this report, we present the case of a 61-year-old man with no significant past medical history who presented with progressive, painless jaundice. His non-specific clinical presentation was compatible with a broad differential diagnosis, initially raising concern for malignant biliary obstruction. Ultimately, endoscopic ultrasound with tissue biopsy was required to establish the diagnosis of AIP, highlighting the diagnostic challenges posed by this uncommon entity.

CureusVol. 18(1)
Hackensack Meridian Health (US), Jersey Shore University Medical Center (US)
Good health and well-being
Openalex Percentile: Top 89%
IgG4-Related and Inflammatory Diseases
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