Desjardins' point

Desjardins' Point

Anatomy of the pancreas, showing the location of Desjardins' point

Desjardins' point is a clinically significant anatomical landmark used in the diagnosis of pancreatitis and other pancreatic disorders. It is named after the French surgeon Auguste Desjardins, who contributed to the understanding of pancreatic anatomy and its clinical implications.

Anatomical Location

Desjardins' point is located on the anterior abdominal wall. It is found at the intersection of two imaginary lines:

• A horizontal line drawn from the umbilicus (navel) to the right side of the body.
• A vertical line drawn from the right midclavicular line (a line running vertically down from the midpoint of the clavicle).

This point corresponds to the approximate location of the ampulla of Vater, where the common bile duct and the pancreatic duct empty into the duodenum.

Clinical Significance

Desjardins' point is used by clinicians to help localize pain associated with pancreatic conditions. Tenderness at this point can be indicative of pancreatitis, particularly when associated with other symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.

In the context of acute pancreatitis, palpation of Desjardins' point may reveal tenderness due to inflammation of the pancreas. This can assist in differentiating pancreatic pain from other causes of abdominal pain, such as cholecystitis or appendicitis.

Diagnostic Use

While Desjardins' point is a useful clinical tool, it is often used in conjunction with other diagnostic methods, such as:

• Ultrasonography
• Computed tomography (CT) scans
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)

These imaging techniques provide a more detailed view of the pancreas and surrounding structures, aiding in the diagnosis and management of pancreatic diseases.

Related Pages

• Pancreas
• Pancreatitis
• Ampulla of Vater
• Common bile duct
• Abdominal pain