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Published on: August 7, 2015
Duodenal web and pancreas divisum causing pancreatitis in an adult
1Gastrointestinal Surgical Unit, Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, South Australia.
Insights
Congenital duodenal webs are rare in adults but can cause obstructive symptoms. This case highlights a duodenal web linked to pancreas divisum presenting as recurrent acute pancreatitis in an adult.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Surgical Gastroenterology
- Pediatric Surgery
Background:
- Duodenal malformations are a common cause of intestinal obstruction in infants.
- Congenital duodenal webs are rare, with fewer than 70 adult cases reported.
- Adult presentation of duodenal malformations, including webs, is uncommon.
Observation:
- A rare case of congenital duodenal web presenting in adulthood.
- The patient exhibited clinical characteristics of recurrent acute pancreatitis.
- The duodenal web was associated with pancreas divisum.
Findings:
- Congenital duodenal webs can manifest in adulthood.
- Association between duodenal webs and pancreas divisum can lead to pancreatitis.
- This case expands the understanding of rare duodenal obstructive lesions.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of considering rare duodenal anomalies in adult pancreatitis.
- Suggests a potential link between duodenal webs, pancreas divisum, and recurrent pancreatitis.
- Underscores the need for thorough investigation of duodenal pathology in unexplained pancreatitis.
Abstract:
Duodenal malformations are the third commonest cause of intestinal obstruction in infants. A spectrum of intrinsic obstructive lesions within the duodenum ranges from atresia to congenital bands. Rarely, duodenal malformations may first present in adulthood. Less than 70 cases of duodenal web presenting in an adult have been reported in the literature. In 10 patients the presentation was associated with pancreatitis. We report a case of congenital duodenal web associated with pancreas divisum which first presented in an adult with the clinical characteristics of recurrent acute pancreatitis.
Related Concept Videos
Acute Pancreatitis I: Introduction
Acute pancreatitis is characterized by rapid inflammation of the pancreas, often caused by factors like gallstone blockage or excessive alcohol consumption. Chronic pancreatitis, on the other hand, is a slow, progressive inflammation that may result from long-term alcohol abuse, obstructions in the pancreatic duct, or genetic factors.
The causes of acute pancreatitis include:
Chronic Pancreatitis I: Introduction
Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas, which occurs when the immune system becomes active and causes swelling, pain, and disruptions in organ function. Pancreatitis can manifest as either an acute or chronic condition.
Acute pancreatitis arises suddenly and lasts for a brief duration, while chronic pancreatitis is a long-term affliction...
Acute Pancreatitis I: Introduction
Acute Pancreatitis II: Pathophysiology
Chronic Pancreatitis I: Introduction
Chronic Pancreatitis II: Pathophysiology

