Annular pancreas causing localized recurrent pancreatitis in a child: report of a case

Yasuharu Ohno1, Takashi Kanematsu

  • 1Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan.

Surgery Today
|October 30, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Annular pancreas, a rare congenital condition, can cause relapsing acute pancreatitis localized within the pancreatic ring in children. This case highlights the potential for this anomaly to trigger recurrent pancreatitis episodes.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Congenital Anomalies
  • Pancreatic Diseases

Background:

  • Annular pancreas is a rare congenital anomaly where pancreatic tissue encircles the duodenum.
  • Acute pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, often presenting with abdominal pain.

Observation:

  • A 6-year-old boy presented with recurrent episodes of acute pancreatitis over 12 months.
  • Diagnostic imaging revealed a ring of pancreatic tissue (annular pancreas) causing duodenal stenosis.

Findings:

  • The patient experienced relapsing acute pancreatitis localized within the annular pancreas.
  • Imaging confirmed a dilated duct within the annular pancreas, characteristic of pancreatitis.

Implications:

  • This case suggests that annular pancreas may predispose children to localized, relapsing acute pancreatitis.
  • Early diagnosis and management are crucial for children with annular pancreas and pancreatitis.

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