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Laparoscopic Choledochal Cyst Excision and Roux-en-Y Choledochojejunostomy in Adults
Published on: February 28, 2025
Pancreas divisum and choledochal cyst
S Arulprakash1, R Balamurali, T Pugazhendhi
1Department of Digestive Health and Diseases, Government Peripheral Hospital, Kilpauk Medical College, Chennai, India. drarulaash@yahoo.co.in
Indian Journal of Medical Sciences
|July 9, 2009
Summary
Pancreas divisum, a common pancreatic variant, can be associated with choledochal cysts. This case highlights a rare combination in a young woman presenting with recurrent pancreatitis.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology
- Congenital Anomalies
- Pancreatic Diseases
Background:
- Pancreas divisum (PD) is the most common congenital pancreatic anomaly, affecting 5-14% of the population.
- It results from the failure of fusion of the ventral and dorsal pancreatic ducts.
- Abnormal pancreatic duct drainage can lead to conditions like pancreatitis.
Observation:
- A 21-year-old woman presented with recurrent acute pancreatitis.
- She was found to have both choledochal cyst and pancreas divisum.
- This represents a rare co-occurrence of these two conditions.
Findings:
- The patient's pancreas divisum involved drainage of the majority of the pancreas via the dorsal duct through the minor papilla.
- The co-existing choledochal cyst is an uncommon finding alongside PD.
- Management included minor papilla sphincterotomy and pancreatic duct stenting.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering rare congenital anomalies in patients with recurrent pancreatitis.
- The association between pancreas divisum and choledochal cysts warrants further investigation.
- Understanding these rare combinations aids in tailored clinical management and diagnosis.
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