Partial dorsal agenesis accompanied with circumportal pancreas in a donor for islet transplantation

As embryonic development of the pancreas progresses, a wide range of congenital anomalies and variations can occur. We report on the incidental observation of partial agenesis of the dorsal pancreas coexistent with cricumportal pancreas in a donor for islet transplantation. We successfully recovered a high yield of islets from such a pancreas, and the islet recipient achieved insulin independence after transplant. This case report discusses the suitability of the anomalous pancreas as a donor organ for islet transplant and the possible embryologic association between the two entities.