Acute recurrent pancreatitis in a child with pancreatic divisum- A case report

In children, acute recurrent pancreatitis is attributed to pancreato-biliary anomalies, hereditary pancreatitis and cystic fibrosis. Pancreatic divisum is a common congenital ductal anomaly that leads to recurrence of pancreatitis.

A 13 years old female presented with clinical features of acute recurrent pancreatitis. After ruling out common causes, magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography was done which showed pancreatic divisum. Her symptoms resolved following duodenum preserving pancreatic head resection.

Acute recurrent pancreatitis is attributed to raised intrapancreatic dorsal ductal pressure due to ductal anomalies especially pancreatic divisum (PD). It is the embryological failure in the fusion of the dorsal and ventral ductal system. PD is further classified into a classical subtype where there is complete failure of ductal fusion and an incomplete subtype where there is partial fusion of the ductal system. The diagnosis is commonly done through abdominal imaging with secretin enhanced magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography being the choice of imaging modality. The initial approach is endoscopic intervention unless patients present with signs of pancreatic fibrosis where a duodenum preserving pancreatic head resection can be carried out.

A keen suspicion should be given towards anatomical or structural variants in absence of common etiologies. Early identification and management of pancreatic divisum prevents the recurrence of pancreatitis.