Pancreas divisum
Updates to Article Attributes
Pancreas divisum represents a variation in pancreatic ductal anatomy that can be associated with abdominal pain and idiopathic pancreatitis. It is characterised, in the majority of cases, by the dorsal pancreatic duct (main pancreatic and Santorini ducts) directly entering the minor papilla with no communication with the ventral duct (Wirsung), and thus, the major papilla.
Epidemiology
It is the most common variation of pancreatic duct formation and may be present in ~4-10 % of the general population 3-4,6. Its MRCP prevalence is at around 9% with autopsy prevalence going up to 14% 7.
Clinical presentation
Most people with a pancreas divisum are asymptomatic, but this is more frequently found in patients with chronic abdominal pain and idiopathic pancreatitis than in the general population 4.
Pathology
It results from failure of fusion of dorsal and ventral pancreatic anlages. As a result, the dorsal pancreatic duct drains most of the pancreatic glandular parenchyma via the minor papilla. Although controversial, this variant is considered as a cause of pancreatitis.
Pancreatic divisum can result in a santorinicoele, which is a cystic dilatation of the distal dorsal duct (Santorini duct), immediately proximal to the minor papilla.
Three subtypes are known:
- type 1 (classic): no connection at all; occurs in the majority of cases: 70%
- type 2 (absent ventral duct): minor papilla drain all of pancreas while major papilla drains bile duct; 20-25%
- type 3 (functional): filamentous or inadequate connection between dorsal and ventral ducts: 5-6%
Radiographic features
Fluoroscopy: ERCP
It was the traditional method of diagnosis where a pancreas divisum was suspected when there was no contrast extending towards the pancreatic tail upon administration at the ampulla of Vater.
MRCP/MRI pancreas
It is the standard method of evaluation in modern times. The key imaging features are:
- the dorsal pancreatic duct being in direct continuity with the duct of Santorini, which drains into the minor ampulla
- ventral duct (Wirsung duct), which does not communicate with the dorsal duct but joins with the distal bile duct to enter the major ampulla
Some authors suggest increased sensitivity of secretin MRCP (S-MRCP) in detection sensitivity of pancreas divisum 2.
Treatment and prognosis
There are severalA diagnosis of pancreas divisum does not routinely warrant treatment, especially when incidental and asymptomatic. In symptomatic patients (e.g. recurrent pancreatitis), management options in selected cases whichmay include 6:
- non-operative treatment +/- pancreatic enzyme supplements
- minor papillectomy
- minor papilla stenting
- balloon dilatation of
anany associated stricture
More content required on prognosis.
-</ul><p>Some authors suggest increased sensitivity of secretin MRCP (S-MRCP) in detection sensitivity of pancreas divisum <sup>2</sup>.</p><h4>Treatment and prognosis</h4><p>There are several management options in selected cases which include <sup>6</sup>:</p><ul>- +</ul><p>Some authors suggest increased sensitivity of secretin MRCP (S-MRCP) in detection sensitivity of pancreas divisum <sup>2</sup>.</p><h4>Treatment and prognosis</h4><p>A diagnosis of pancreas divisum does not routinely warrant treatment, especially when incidental and asymptomatic. In symptomatic patients (e.g. recurrent pancreatitis), management options may include <sup>6</sup>:</p><ul>
- +<li>non-operative treatment +/- pancreatic enzyme supplements</li>
-<li>balloon dilatation of an any associated stricture</li>-</ul><p>More content required on prognosis.</p>- +<li>balloon dilatation of any associated stricture</li>
- +</ul>
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