Juxtapapillary duodenal diverticula and abnormalities by endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography (ERCP)

In a consecutive series of 174 patients the biliary and pancreatic ducts were demonstrated by endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography (ERCP). In 84 patients with normal duct systems, juxtapapillary diverticula were found in 5 patients (6%). In 90 cases with ductal abnormalities due to biliary concrements, dilated common bile duct and pancreatitis, diverticula were found in 35 patients (39%). In patients with abnormalities in both duct systems, diverticula were found in 52%, and in patients with changes in one duct system diverticula were found in 33%. The difference in occurrence of diverticula in patients with normal duct systems and pathological duct systems was statistically significant (p less than 0.02). The findings indicate a correlation between juxtapapillary diverticula and pathological changes due to biliary concrements, dilated common bile duct without concrements and pancreatitis.