[Acute pancreatitis and afferent loop syndrome].

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Surgical Pathology

Background:

• Afferent loop syndrome is a rare complication after Billroth II gastrectomy.
• Acute pancreatitis is an uncommon presentation of afferent loop obstruction.

Observation:

• A case of afferent loop obstruction presenting as acute pancreatitis is detailed.
• Fewer than 20 such cases are documented in medical literature.
• Diagnosis should be considered in patients with acute pancreatitis and prior Billroth II gastrectomy.

Findings:

• Duodenopancreatic reflux is implicated in the pathogenesis of pancreatitis in this context.
• The experimental "closed duodenal loop" model closely mimics this clinical scenario.
• Physiopathological principles, diagnostic methods, and treatment strategies are reviewed.

Implications:

• Highlights the importance of considering afferent loop obstruction in specific post-gastrectomy patients.
• Suggests duodenopancreatic reflux as a key mechanism.
• Provides a review of the syndrome for clinical guidance.