Symptomatic gastroduodenal pancreatic rest in children

Since 1979 nine children have undergone excision of gastroduodenal pancreatic rest. In three, these lesions were incidental findings at the time of unrelated surgery. The remaining six underwent resection for relief of abdominal symptoms. There were four boys and two girls. The ages ranged from 4 months to 13 years. Symptoms were directly related to age. Three children (6 months, 8 months and 4 years) were admitted for recalcitrant post-prandial vomiting. The remaining three (11, 12, and 13 years) were hospitalized for chronic midabdominal pain. Contrast radiographic studies were normal in three. An antral filling defect was noted in one and edematous proximal duodenum with poor peristalsis in the remaining child. Endoscopic examination and biopsy documented pancreatic rest in all six cases. All were located in the immediate vicinity of the pylorus. The size ranged from 0.5 to 2 cm in diameter. Each child subsequently underwent excision with relief of symptoms. Pancreatic rest is functioning pancreas. Its presence in the prepyloric region may incite pylorospasm, delayed emptying and gastric distention and become clinically apparent with vomiting and/or abdominal pain. Documentation of gastroduodenal pancreatic rest in the symptomatic child with an otherwise normal evaluation may warrant excision.