Pancreas Divisum

2006-11-15T12:24:00.000-08:00

URL of this page:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000247.htm

Definition:
Pancreas divisum: Pancreas divisum is a congenital (present from birth) defect in which parts of the pancreas fail to fuse together.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors In this condition, the ducts of the pancreas are affected. In many cases this defect goes undetected. The cause of the defect is unknown. However, if the pancreatic ducts become obstructed, symptoms similar to pancreatitis may develop. Pancreas divisum affects about 5% of the general population.

Symptoms

Abdominal pain
Nausea or vomiting.
Abdominal distention
Note: There may be no symptoms.

Signs and tests.

An ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography)
Elevated blood amylase and lipase
Abdominal CT scan

Treatment: If a person has symptoms of this condition or has had recurrent pancreatitis, surgical bypass or reconstruction of the malformed pancreatic ducts may be indicated to relieve obstruction.

Expectations (prognosis): The probable outcome is good with treatment.

Complications: The main complication of pancreas divisum is pancreatitis.

Calling your health care provider: Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms of this disorder develop.

Prevention: Because this condition is present at birth, there is no known prevention.

To learn more about Pancreas Divisum, click on

Pancreas, Biliary Tree, and some Variations in Pancreatic Anatomy

To learn about another disease, click on Digestive Diseases Library!

Digestive Diseases Library

..

Government information at NLM Web sites is in the public domain. Public domain information may be freely distributed and copied, but it is requested that in any subsequent use the National Library of Medicine (NLM) be given appropriate acknowledgement.
..
..