THE IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON SURVEILLANCE OF PATIENTS WITH PANCREATIC CYSTIC NEOPLASMS (PCN)

Aims Correct surveillance of Pancreatic cystic neoplasms (PCN) may prevent progression to pancreatic cancer. European guidelines recommend MRI surveillance of PCN's in suitable patients. The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted cancer surveillance programs in Ireland.

Our aim is to assess the impact of COVID-19 on the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital's (MMUH) PCN surveillance program.

Methods A retrospective review of the PCN database was performed to identify patients with a radiological diagnosis of PCN undergoing active surveillance.

Dates of surveillance due and delays were computed.

Results 43 patients are undergoing active radiological follow-up for a PCN with a median age of 69 years.

33 patients were due surveillance in 2020. 11(33%) of these scans were delayed. The average length of delay was 9 months(SD 7.76).

38 patients were due surveillance in 2021. 18 patients (47.4%) have had their correct surveillance incremental scan. 7 patients(18.4%) had their scan performed but experienced an average delay of 3 months(SD 1.86).

The remaining 13 (34.2%) of scans have been deferred indefinitely due to lack of capacity.

4 patients(9%) have not had any radiological surveillance since the start of the pandemic.

There have been no cancer diagnoses so far in this cohort over the pandemic period.

Conclusions The PCN surveillance program in MMUH has been significantly impacted by COVID-19. Delays were evident in 2020 but the most significant impact is noted in 2021 with over one-third of scans, deferred indefinitely. Delays have not resulted in a cancer diagnosis however, the long-term impact of COVID-19 will only become apparent in the future.

Publication History

Article published online:
14 April 2022