Intrapancreatic fat deposition in the elderly: a retrospective cadaveric study with histopathological characterization

Our study demonstrated at least three distinct pathological subtypes of IPFD: FIP, FRP, and IIFD. Each has unique histopathological features, developmental mechanisms, and potential pathological significance. In the multivariate analysis, although it did not reach statistical significance, a trend was observed for FIP with PanIN, suggesting its potential role in early pancreatic pathology. Similarly, IIFD showed a non-significant trend toward age dependence, highlighting its possible relevance to age-related pancreatic changes. These findings underscore the need for the pathological distinction of IPFD subtypes in future research on pancreatic aging and disease. Furthermore, the embryological preference of IIFD for the dorsal pancreas and its mechanism deserve further exploration.