Presentation
PH of gastric cancer. Dilated pancreatic duct on staging CT ? pathology
Patient Data
Age: 70
Gender: Female
From the case:
Ansa pancreatica
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The main pancreatic duct (of Wirsung) enters the duodenum in the conventional location at the major ampulla with the CBD. The duct (of Santorini) draining the uncinate process enters the duodenum proximally at the minor ampulla. An abnormal duct joins the main pancreatic duct in the region of the head to the minor ampulla - this is known as ansa pancreatica (i.e. the handle of the pancreas - this accessory duct looking like a handle)
Case Discussion
Ansa pancreatica is a rare variant and is said to predispose to idiopathic acute pancreatitis.