Pancreas divisum
Pancreas Divisum
Pancreas divisum (/pænˈkriːəs dɪˈvaɪsəm/), from the Latin pancreas meaning "all flesh" and divisum meaning "divided", is a congenital anomaly in the anatomy of the ducts of the pancreas.
Definition
Pancreas divisum is the most common congenital anomaly of the pancreatic ductal anatomy. It occurs when the dorsal and the ventral ducts fail to fuse during embryological development, resulting in the majority of the pancreas being drained by the dorsal duct into the minor papilla.
Symptoms
Most individuals with pancreas divisum remain asymptomatic throughout their lives. However, in some cases, it can lead to recurrent pancreatitis due to inadequate drainage of pancreatic secretions.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of pancreas divisum can be challenging due to its asymptomatic nature in most individuals. It is often discovered incidentally during investigations for other conditions. Diagnostic methods include magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP), endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS).
Treatment
Treatment for pancreas divisum is usually not necessary unless it is causing symptoms. In symptomatic cases, treatment options include endoscopic therapy, sphincterotomy, and surgical pancreaticojejunostomy.
Related Terms
- Pancreas
- Pancreatitis
- Duct
- Papilla
- Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography
- Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography
- Endoscopic ultrasound
- Sphincterotomy
- Pancreaticojejunostomy
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Pancreas divisum
- Wikipedia's article - Pancreas divisum
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