Pancreas divisum overview
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Pancreatic divisum is a congenital anomaly in the anatomy of the ducts of the pancreas in which a single pancreatic duct is not formed, but rather remains as two distinct dorsal and ventral ducts. [1] [2]
Diagnosis
History and Symptoms
A majority of individuals born with pancreas divisum will never have symptoms for their entire life. In most cases, pancreas divisum is only detected during an autopsy of a person that is deceased. However, approximately 1% of those with pancreas divisum will develop symptoms during their lifetime. Symptoms commonly include abdominal pain, nausea and/or vomiting, and pancreatitis. A small number of individuals may develop chronic pancreatitis.
Other Imaging Findings
The most common and accurate way of diagnosing an individual with this anomaly is by an ERCP. This test can demonstrate the presence of two separately draining ducts within the pancreas.
References
- ↑ Jorge A. Soto, Brian C. Lucey, and Joshua W. Stuhlfaut. Pancreas Divisum: Depiction with Multi–Detector Row CT. Radiology 2005 235: 503-508.
- ↑ Yu, Jinxing, Turner, Mary Ann, Fulcher, Ann S., Halvorsen, Robert A. Congenital Anomalies and Normal Variants of the Pancreaticobiliary Tract and the Pancreas in Adults: Part 2, Pancreatic Duct and Pancreas. Am. J. Roentgenol. 2006 187: 1544-1553.