Annular pancreas: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 03:45, 13 February 2025

Annular Pancreas

An annular pancreas is a rare congenital condition in which a ring of pancreatic tissue encircles the duodenum, the first part of the small intestine. This ring of tissue can constrict the duodenum, potentially leading to obstruction.

Anatomy and Development

The pancreas is a glandular organ located in the abdomen, with both exocrine and endocrine functions. During normal embryological development, the pancreas forms from the fusion of the dorsal and ventral pancreatic buds. In the case of an annular pancreas, the ventral bud fails to rotate properly, resulting in a ring of pancreatic tissue that surrounds the duodenum.

Clinical Presentation

Symptoms of an annular pancreas can vary depending on the degree of duodenal obstruction. In newborns, it may present as duodenal atresia or stenosis, leading to bilious vomiting shortly after birth. In adults, symptoms may include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and signs of peptic ulcer disease.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of an annular pancreas is typically made using imaging studies. Upper gastrointestinal series and computed tomography (CT) scans can reveal the characteristic "double bubble" sign or the presence of a ring of pancreatic tissue around the duodenum.

Treatment

Treatment of an annular pancreas depends on the severity of the symptoms. In cases of significant obstruction, surgical intervention may be necessary. The most common surgical procedure is a duodenojejunostomy, which bypasses the obstructed segment of the duodenum.

Related Pages

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-'''Annular Pancreas''' is a rare congenital anomaly characterized by a ring of pancreatic tissue that encircles the [[duodenum]]. This condition can lead to duodenal obstruction with associated symptoms.
+== Annular Pancreas ==
-==Etiology==
+[[File:Gray1056.png|thumb|right|Diagram of the pancreas showing the annular pancreas.]]
-The exact cause of annular pancreas is unknown. However, it is believed to occur during the embryonic development of the [[pancreas]]. The pancreas is formed from two separate buds that fuse together. In annular pancreas, one of these buds wraps around the duodenum, forming a ring of tissue.
+An '''annular pancreas''' is a rare congenital condition in which a ring of pancreatic tissue encircles the [[duodenum]], the first part of the [[small intestine]]. This ring of tissue can constrict the duodenum, potentially leading to obstruction.
-==Clinical Presentation==
+== Anatomy and Development ==
-Symptoms of annular pancreas can vary greatly depending on the severity of the condition. In some cases, individuals may remain asymptomatic throughout their lives. In others, symptoms may present in infancy or early childhood. These can include [[vomiting]], abdominal pain, and failure to thrive. In adults, symptoms may include chronic [[pancreatitis]], [[peptic ulcer]] disease, and [[biliary tract]] obstruction.
+The [[pancreas]] is a glandular organ located in the abdomen, with both exocrine and endocrine functions. During normal embryological development, the pancreas forms from the fusion of the dorsal and ventral pancreatic buds. In the case of an annular pancreas, the ventral bud fails to rotate properly, resulting in a ring of pancreatic tissue that surrounds the duodenum.
-==Diagnosis==
+== Clinical Presentation ==
-Diagnosis of annular pancreas can be challenging due to its rarity and the nonspecific nature of its symptoms. Imaging studies such as [[computed tomography]] (CT) scans, [[magnetic resonance imaging]] (MRI), and [[endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography]] (ERCP) can be used to visualize the pancreas and identify the ring of tissue characteristic of this condition.
+Symptoms of an annular pancreas can vary depending on the degree of duodenal obstruction. In newborns, it may present as [[duodenal atresia]] or stenosis, leading to [[bilious vomiting]] shortly after birth. In adults, symptoms may include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and signs of [[peptic ulcer disease]].
-==Treatment==
+== Diagnosis ==
-Treatment for annular pancreas is typically surgical and aims to relieve duodenal obstruction. This can be achieved through various procedures such as duodenoduodenostomy, duodenojejunostomy, or pancreaticoduodenectomy.
+Diagnosis of an annular pancreas is typically made using imaging studies. [[Upper gastrointestinal series]] and [[computed tomography (CT)]] scans can reveal the characteristic "double bubble" sign or the presence of a ring of pancreatic tissue around the duodenum.
-==Prognosis==
+== Treatment ==
-The prognosis for individuals with annular pancreas is generally good, particularly when the condition is diagnosed and treated early. However, complications such as chronic pancreatitis and peptic ulcer disease can impact long-term health and quality of life.
+Treatment of an annular pancreas depends on the severity of the symptoms. In cases of significant obstruction, surgical intervention may be necessary. The most common surgical procedure is a [[duodenojejunostomy]], which bypasses the obstructed segment of the duodenum.
+== Related Pages ==
-==See Also==
 * [[Pancreas]]
 * [[Duodenum]]
-* [[Congenital anomalies of the digestive system]]
+* [[Congenital disorder]]
+* [[Digestive system]]
 [[Category:Congenital disorders of digestive system]]
-[[Category:Pancreas disorders]]
+[[Category:Pancreas]]
-{{Medicine-stub}}