Duplex ventral pancreas

Complete duplication of the ventral pancreatic ductal system in 2 patients is reported. Both patients, during evaluation for recurrent abdominal pain, underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography that revealed typical changes of chronic pancreatitis and pseudocysts confined to 1 ductal system with the other ductal system completely normal. Both ductal systems filled with contrast medium via a common opening at the major papilla. A rudimentary minor papilla was present, but cannulations were unsuccessful. This unusual anomaly of the ventral pancreas with its embryologic basis, diagnosis, and clinical implications is discussed.