Effectiveness of pancreatic stent placement in pediatric patients with acute recurrent and chronic pancreatitis / Eficacia de la prótesis pancreática en pacientes pediátricos con pancreatitis aguda recurrente y crónica

Abstract Background: The use of pancreatic prostheses in children with acute recurrent pancreatitis (ARP) and chronic pancreatitis (CP) has evolved. The main established indication is the treatment of persistent abdominal pain. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of pancreatic stenting for refractory abdominal pain in pediatric patients with ARP and CP. Methods: We conducted a retrospective case series study. We included patients under 16 years of age diagnosed with ARP and CP in the study. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) was performed with the insertion of one and later two pancreatic stents. We evaluated abdominal symptoms before and after treatment, number of changes, duration of treatment, and complications with follow-up at 24 months and after withdrawal. Results: Nine patients with ARP and CP were included in the study: six with undetermined etiology and three with pancreas divisum. The mean age was 12.4 years. Prosthesis placement relieved abdominal pain in 100% of cases, with 3.2 replacement sessions every 6.2 months for 27.4 months, and mild complications (15.7%). One patient experienced pain on removal of the prosthesis and required bypass surgery. Conclusion: Pancreatic stent placement in patients with refractory abdominal pain with ARP and CP proved to be effective and safe, providing medium-term symptom relief and minimal complications.

Resumen Introducción: El uso de prótesis pancreáticas en niños con pancreatitis aguda recurrente (PAR) y crónica (PC) ha evolucionado. La principal indicación establecida es el tratamiento del dolor abdominal persistente. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la eficacia del uso prótesis pancreática para el dolor abdominal refractario en pacientes pediátricos con PAR y PC, sin respuesta a manejo conservador. Métodos: Se llevó a cabo un estudio retrospectivo de serie de casos. Se incluyeron pacientes menores de 16 años con diagnóstico de PAR y PC. Se realizó una colangio pancreatografía retrograda endoscópica (CPRE) para introducir inicialmente una y posteriormente dos prótesis pancreáticas. Se evaluaron síntomas abdominales antes y después del tratamiento, número de recambios, duración del tratamiento y complicaciones con seguimiento a 24 meses y posterior a su retiro. Resultados: Se incluyeron 9 pacientes con PAR y PC: seis de etiología no determinada y tres con páncreas divisum. La edad promedio fue de 12.4 años. La colocación de prótesis alivió el dolor abdominal en el 100%, con 3.2 sesiones de recambio cada 6.2 meses en 27.4 meses, y complicaciones leves (15.7%). Un paciente presentó dolor al retirar las prótesis y requirió cirugía derivativa. Conclusiones: El uso de prótesis pancreática en pacientes con dolor abdominal refractario con PAR y PC demostró ser eficaz y seguro al aliviar los síntomas a mediano plazo con mínimas complicaciones.

Pancreatitis in children and the anatomical abnormalities / 中国小儿急救医学

The anatomical abnormalities associated with pancreatitis mainly include pancreas anomalies, pancreaticobiliary maljunction and intestinal duplication.Pancreas anomalies are the most common congenital abnormalities in the triggers of pancreatitis, including pancreas divisum, annular pancreas and heterotopic pancreas prevail.In all these anomalies, the mechanism of pancreatitis is likely due to outlet obstruction.Awareness of these anomalies is necessary to arrange the proper strategy for the treatment of patients with pancreatitis.

Long-term outcomes of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for pancreas divisum with chronic pancreatitis in adults / 中华消化内镜杂志

Objective:To evaluate the safety and efficacy of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for pancreas divisum(PD)with chronic pancreatitis (CP) in adults.Methods:Data of patients older than 18 years old diagnosed as having PD with CP in Hangzhou First People′s Hospital from January 2008 to January 2020 were retrospectively analyzed, i. e.the general information, ERCP procedures and follow-up data of the patients. The number of acute pancreatitis attacks, visual analogue scale (VAS) of abdominal pain, and the diameter of pancreatic duct before and after ERCP were compared.Results:A total of 61 patients diagnosed as having PD with CP underwent 301 ERCP procedures with the median number of 4(3.0-6.5). The median number of pancreatic stent replacement was 3 (2-6). The success rate of the first minor papilla cannulation was 90.2% (55/61), and the total success rate of minor papilla cannulation was 98.0% (295/301). The efficacy rate of the first ERCP was 82.0% (50/61). ERCP-related complication rate was 2.7% (8/301). The median follow-up time was 54 months (31.0-97.5 months). The median number of acute pancreatitis attacks decreased from 2.40 to 0 ( Z=-6.726, P<0.001) compared with that before ERCP. The median VAS decreased from 7 to 2 ( Z=-6.621, P<0.001). The median pancreatic duct diameter decreased from 5.0 mm to 4.0 mm ( Z=-2.330, P=0.020). However, the mean weight increased from 56.04±10.75 kg to 58.62±10.79 kg ( t=-5.285, P<0.001)one year after the procedure. Conclusion:ERCP is safe and effective in the diagnosis and treatment of PD with CP in adults.

A long-term follow-up of endoscopic diagnosis and treatment for pancreas divisum with chronic pancreatitis in children / 中华消化内镜杂志

Objective:To evaluate the safety and efficacy of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for diagnosis and treatment of pancreas divisum (PD) combined with chronic pancreatitis (CP) in children.Methods:Data of patients under 18 years old diagnosed as having PD with CP in Hangzhou First People′s Hospital from January 2010 to January 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. The general information, endoscopic procedures and follow-up of the children were recored. The number of acute pancreatitis attacks, visual analogue scale (VAS) scores of the abdominal pain, and the diameter of pancreatic duct before and after ERCP were compared.Results:A total of 19 children diagnosed as having PD with CP underwent 82 ERCP procedures with the mean number of 4.31 (1-9). The mean number of pancreatic stent replacement was 3.21 (0-8). The success rate of minor papilla cannulation was 97.6% (80/82) with the pain relief rate of 89.5% (17/19) after the first ERCP. ERCP-related complication rate was 4.9% (4/82)without transference to surgery. The mean follow-up time was 55.8 months (9-114 months). The median number of acute pancreatitis attacks decreased from 3.0 to 0 compared with that before the procedure ( Z=-3.839, P<0.001) and the median VAS score decreased from 6 to 1 ( Z=-3.748, P<0.001), both of which had significant difference. However, the median diameters of main pancreatic duct were both 0.35 cm before and after procedure with no significant difference ( Z=-0.699, P=0.484). Conclusion:ERCP is safe and effective to diagnose and treat pediatric patients with PD with CP.

A Study On Anatomic Variations Of The Pancreatic Duct System

Introduction: Pancreatic duct system shows wide range of variations/anomalies due to complexity in itsdevelopment from two different sources namely Dorsal and Ventral pancreatic buds. Knowledge on these variationsholds great importance during various surgical procedures such as drainage procedure in pancreatitis,pancreatico-jejunostomy, reconstruction after pancreatectomy and management of pancreatitis. The presentstudy aims to explore different variations of pancreatic ducts.Materials and Methods: This cross sectional observational study was conducted in 39 pancreases. Posteriorapproach was chosen to expose the duct system. Two parallel incisions were made on the posterior surface of thepancreas. Tissue between these two incisions was removed by piece meal dissection and exposed the ductsystem.Observation and Results: out of 39 duct systems, 13 (33.3%) were normal and 26 (66.7%) were variations. Thesevariations include 8 (20.5%) cases of Obliterated Duct of Santorini and 12 (30.76%) cases of absent Duct ofSantorini, 4 (10.25%) complete pancreas divisum, 1 (2.56%) incomplete Pancreas divisum and 1 (2.56%) case ofmultiple ducts connecting main pancreatic duct and terminal CBD which is reported for the first time.Conclusion: Present study is in accordance with findings of most of the studies. Absent duct of Santorini wasfound to be higher (30.76%) among all types of variations and incomplete Pancreas Divisum with lowest occurrence(2.56%). The knowledge on the prevalence and various types of variations is highly recommended for the surgeons,Physicians and Radiologists for accurate diagnosis and efficient management of various diseases related topancreas and pancreatico biliary apparatus.

Advances in Research on Etiology of Recurrent Acute Pancreatitis / 胃肠病学

Some patients with acute pancreatitis (AP)can relapse after initial cure. With the development and maturity of diagnosis and treatment technology,especially the rise of endoscopic technology,the detection rate of AP recurrence (such as bile duct stones,Oddi sphincter dysfunction,pancreas divisum,gene mutation,etc. )is increased. Recurrent acute pancreatitis (RAP)is characterized by various causes,and complex mechanisms. Understanding etiology and positive treatment play a pivotal role in reducing the incidence of RAP. This article reviewed the advances in study on etiology of RAP.

Páncreas divisum y pancreatitis: su importancia en la práctica cotidiana / Pancreas divisum and pancreatitis: its importance in everyday practice

Pancreas divisum (PD) is the most common congenital anatomical variant of the pancreas. Its etiological implication in recurrent acute pancreatitis (RAP) and chronic pancreatitis (CP) has been recurrently questioned. Normal anatomy and variants: 80-90% of the population has normal anatomy, with excretion of exocrine pancreatic secretion to the duodenum by the major papilla. Three anatomical variants of PD have been described: classic PD with visible ventral duct, but total absence of fusion; PD with absence of ventral duct; and incomplete PD, with a rudimentary connection between the ventral and dorsal ducts. Clinical implication: This anatomical variant is symptomatic in less than 5% of the carriers, being associated to higher prevalence in patients with RAP However, the relationship between PD and RAP is considered probable, only in cases of association with mutation of the CFTR gene. Obstructive CP can develop in the segment drained by the dorsal duct. Diagnosis: Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) is the most sensitive diagnostic method. Other non-invasive diagnostic methods are endosonography and computed tomography (CT), the latter with lower performance. Treatment: The current trend in acute pancreatitis (AP) where PD is assumed as an etiological factor, is endoscopic resolution, with papillotomy with or without a pancreatic stent.

El páncreas divisum (PD) es la variante anatómica congénita más frecuente del páncreas. Su implicancia etiológica en pancreatitis aguda recurrente (PAR) y pancreatitis crónica (PC) ha sido frecuentemente cuestionada. Anatomía normal y variantes: 80-90% de la población presenta anatomía normal, con salida de secreción pancreática exocrina al duodeno por la papila mayor. Se han descrito 3 variantes anatómicas: PD clásico con conducto ventral visible, pero ausencia total de fusión; PD con ausencia de conducto ventral; y PD incompleto, con conexión rudimentaria entre los conductos ventral y dorsal. Implicancia clínica: Esta variante anatómica da síntomas en menos de 5% de los portadores, asociándose a mayor prevalencia en pacientes con PAR. Sin embargo, se considera probable la relación entre PD y PAR, solo en casos de asociación con mutación del gen CFTR. Pancreatitis crónica (PC) obstructiva se puede desarrollar en el segmento drenado por el conducto dorsal. Diagnóstico: La colangiopancreatografía por resonancia magnética (CPRM) es el método diagnóstico más sensible. Otros métodos diagnósticos no invasivos son la endosonografía y tomografía computada (TC), este último de menor rendimiento. Tratamiento: La tendencia actual en PA donde se asume PD como factor etiológico, es la resolución endoscópica, con papilotomía con o sin stent.

¿Tiene el páncreas divisum un rol determinante en la pancreatitis aguda? / Does Pancreas divisum have any determinant role in acute pancreatitis?

Resumen Objetivo: Las anomalías pancreáticas del desarrollo son un espectro de variaciones anatómicas, entre las que se destaca el páncreas divisum; su asociación con la pancreatitis aguda continúa siendo controversial. Materiales y métodos: En primer término se realizó una investigación no experimental de corte transversal sobre 100 piezas duodenopancreáticas cadavéricas y en segunda instancia se analizó el reporte de caso de un paciente con colestasis extrahepática y pancreatitis aguda asociadas a la portación de páncreas divisum. El objetivo fue determinar la prevalencia del sistema descompresivo pancreático. Resultados: Existe diferencia estadísticamente significativa entre las dimensiones del conducto pancreático accesorio y su relación con la permeabilidad. En cuanto a la volumetría pancreática, la sección correspondiente al tercio superior cefálico, cuello, cuerpo y cola del órgano registró una dimensión media de 21,99 cm3, mientras que la sección de los dos tercios cefálicos restantes fue de 8,17 cm3. Simultáneamente, el paciente reportado presentó cuadro clínico de pancreatitis con amilasa de 280 UI/l y lipasa de 173 UI/l asociado a colestasis. Al segundo día de internación se realizó colangiopancreatografía retrógrada endoscópica con papilotomía duodenal mayor y extracción de múltiples cálculos coledocianos, evidenciando un páncreas divisum completo. Discusión: El caso expuesto exhibe que la pancreatitis, en presencia de páncreas divisum, tendría la denominación de una pancreatitis ventral subclínica. Conclusión: El páncreas divisum sería un predictor determinante de pancreatitis aguda al perder el mecanismo descompresivo protector pancreático.

Abstract Purpose: Pancreatic developmental anomalies are a spectrum of anatomical variations, including the pancreas divisum, where its association with acute pancreatitis continues being controversial. Materials and methods: Firstly, a non-experimental cross-sectional study was carried out on one hundred cadaveric duodenpancreatic pieces, and secondly was analyzed the case report of a patient with extrahepatic cholestasis and acute pancreatitis associated with pancreas divisum. The objective was to determinate the prevalence of the decompressive pancreatic system. Results: There is a statistically significant difference between the dimensions of the accessory pancreatic duct and its relation with the permeability. In terms of pancreatic volumetry, the section corresponding to the upper third cephalic, neck, body and tail of the organ registers an average dimension of 21.99 cm3, while the section of the last two thirds cephalic was 8.17 cm3. Simultaneously, the patient reported presented a pancreatitis with amylase 280 UI/l, lipase 173 UI/l, associated with cholestasis. On the second day of hospitalization, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography was performed with a greater duodenal papillotomy and extraction of multiple common bile duct stones, evidencing a complete pancreas divisum. Discussion: The exposed case shows that pancreatitis, in presence of pancreas divisum, would have the denomination of a subclinical ventral pancreatitis. Conclusion: The pancreas divisum would be a predictor of acute pancreatitis by losing the decompressive pancreatic protective mechanism.

Endoscopic diagnosis and treatment of pancreas divisum with recurrent acute pancreatitis in children and teenagers / 中华消化内镜杂志

Objective To evaluate the safety and efficacy of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for the diagnosis and treatment of pancreas divisum(PD) associated with recurrent acute pancreatitis(RAP) in children and teenagers. Methods Data of patients with symptomatic PD associated with RAP under 18 years old who were diagnosed and treated with ERCP from January 2011 to January 2015 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients with complete pancreas divisum underwent endoscopic minor sphincterotomy combined with dorsal duct stenting ( ESCS ) , and those with incomplete pancreas divisum underwent bi?papilla endoscopic sphincterotomy combined with dorsal duct stenting ( Bi?ESCS ) . ERCP?related data, complications were recorded. Long?term follow?up was conducted for procedure related complications. Results Nine patients with symptomatic PD associated with RAP were firstly diagnosed. A total of 18 ERCP procedures were performed in these patients, with success rate of 100. 0% ( 18/18) in the minor papilla cannulation, and mild ERCP?related complication rate of 11. 1% ( 2/18) . One was acute mild pancreatitis and the other was hyperamylasemia. During follow?up from 3 to 60 months, all patients had pain relief, among whom 7 were asymptomatic, with no onset of acute pancreatitis. Dorsal ducts of all patients were not obviously dilated in MRCP or CT scan. All patients gained weight and presented normal physical and intelligence development. Conclusion Symptomatic PD associated with RAP can be completely diagnosed with ERCP . ESCS and Bi?ESCS are safe and effective endoscopic treatment techniques for pediatric cases.

Endoscopic Intervention through Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography in the Management of Symptomatic Pancreas Divisum: A Long-Term Follow-Up Study

BACKGROUND/AIMS: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for the treatment of symptomatic pancreas divisum (PD) and to discuss whether ERCP procedures and outcomes in younger patients differ from those of adults. METHODS: Symptomatic patients with PD were included in the study and divided into underaged (age ≤17 years) and adult (age ≥18 years) group. The clinical information of each patient was reviewed, and then the patients were contacted by telephone or their medical records were reviewed to determine their long-term follow-up outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 141 procedures were performed in 82 patients (17 underaged and 65 adult patients). The ERCP indications included abdominal pain (39.02%), pancreatitis (12.20%), recurrent pancreatitis (36.59%), and other discomfort (12.20%). The endoscopic interventions included endoscopic pancreatic sphincterotomy in 44.68% of the patients, bouginage in 26.95%, pancreatic ductal stone extraction in 19.15%, endoscopic nasopancreatic drainage in 21.99%, and endoscopic retrograde pancreatic drainage in 56.74%. After a median follow-up of 41 months, the overall response rate was 62.32%. Between the underaged group and the adult group, significant differences were not observed in the ERCP procedures, complications and long-term follow-up results. CONCLUSIONS: ERCP is a safe and effective treatment for symptomatic PD. Based on the details, complications, and follow-up results, the ERCP procedure did not present differences between the underaged and adult groups.

Anomalous Unfused Pancreatic Duct Pattern.

Pancreas divisum is a congenital anomaly of the duct system of pancreas that occurs due to the failure of fusion of dorsal and ventral pancreatic ducts. This anomaly has been hypothesized as the predisposing factor for chronic, recurrent and idiopathic pancreatitis. During routine dissection, we observed 2 cases of complete type of pancreas divisum. In the observed cases, the patent dorsal pancreatic ducts terminated onto minor duodenal papilla and measured 15.6 cm and 17.3 cm respectively. The patent ventral pancreatic ducts measured 3.2 cm and 2.7 cm respectively and terminated onto the major duodenal papilla after joining with common bile duct. The major papillae were antero-superiorly related to minor papillae and the distance between them measured 4.3cm and 1.4 cm respectively. Awareness and timely detection of this commonly occurring pancreatic anatomical anomaly helps the clinicians to prevent or manage potential recurrent pancreatitis.

Malformações congênitas do pâncreas: um caso clínico / Congenital pancreas malformations: a clinical case report

OBJETIVO: Este trabalho tem por objetivo fazer uma revisão da malformação congênita denominada de agenesia dorsal do pâncreas (ADP) e de outras malformações congênitas pancreáticas, com base em um caso clínico raro e exemplar da problemática das malformações pancreáticas. Pretende-se rever a informação mais recente publicada na literatura nacional e internacional acerca das malformações congênitas pancreáticas e investigar a diversidade de formas de apresentação clínica da ADP e de outras malformações congênitas do pâncreas. Pretende-se saber em que situações há indicação terapêutica, qual a altura mais adequada de intervir, quais as modalidades disponíveis para o tratamento médico e ou cirúrgico das malformações congênitas pancreáticas. RESULTADOS: A ADP é uma malformação muito rara que surge durante a organogênese. Nas últimas décadas, foi produzido um volume importante de informação genética e embriológica que ajuda a compreender as causas das malformações pancreáticas. As malformações pancreáticas têm de ser estudadas e compreendidas no seu conjunto. CONCLUSÃO: A malformação pancreática é uma causa de pancreatite aguda e crônica no adulto, pouco estudada. A possibilidade da existência de malformações pancreáticas deve estar sempre presente em doentes com pancreatite aguda ou crônica sem causa evidente.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to review the congenital malformation known as agenesis of the dorsal pancreas (ADP) and other pancreatic birth defects, based on a rare and exemplary clinical case of pancreatic malformations. The intent was to review the latest information published in the national and international literature on pancreatic birth defects, and to investigate the diversity of clinical presentations of ADP and other congenital pancreas abnormalities. The purpose was to identify which situations have therapeutic indication, the most appropriate time to institute treatment, and the currently available medical or surgical treatment of pancreatic congenital malformations. RESULTS: ADP is a very rare malformation that occurs during organogenesis. In the last decades, a large volume of embryological and genetic information has been obtained, helping to understand the causes of pancreatic malformations, which must be studied and understood as a whole. CONCLUSION: Pancreatic malformations are infrequently studied causes of acute and chronic pancreatiWtis in adults. The possibility of pancreatic malformations should always be considered in patients with acute or chronic pancreatitis with no evident cause.

Congenital Variants and Anomalies of the Pancreas and Pancreatic Duct: Imaging by Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreaticography and Multidetector Computed Tomography

Though congenital anomalies of the pancreas and pancreatic duct are relatively uncommon and they are often discovered as an incidental finding in asymptomatic patients, some of these anomalies may lead to various clinical symptoms such as recurrent abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. Recognition of these anomalies is important because these anomalies may be a surgically correctable cause of recurrent pancreatitis or the cause of gastric outlet obstruction. An awareness of these anomalies may help in surgical planning and prevent inadvertent ductal injury. The purpose of this article is to review normal pancreatic embryology, the appearance of ductal anatomic variants and developmental anomalies of the pancreas, with emphasis on magnetic resonance cholangiopancreaticography and multidetector computed tomography.

A novel endoscopic treatment of pancreas divisum (un tratamiento endoscópico nuevo para el páncreas divisum)

El páncreas divisum es la malformación congénita más común del páncreas que resulta de la no fusión ó fusión incompleta de las porciones ventral y dorsal del páncreas embrionario. Se encuentra en 7% de los estudios de autopsias (rango 1-14%), siendo generalmente asintomática. Un 5% de estos pacientes presentan síntomas, que son básicamente dolor abdominal y casos de pancreatitis recurrente. Se reporta el caso de una paciente mujer de 52 años, con 2 episodios de pancreatitis postcolecistectomía con imagen por colangioresonancia de páncreas divisum con comunicación entre el páncreas dorsal y ventral. Se procedió a dilatar el conducto mayor; y luego se hizo una papilotomia del conducto menor y se pasó un balón hidroneumático hasta más allá de su diámetro mayor. El procedimiento ha tenido éxito en 9 meses de seguimiento.

Pancreas divisum is the most common congenital malformation of the pancreas that results from the non-fusion or incomplete fusion of the ventral and dorsal portionts of the embryonic pancreas. It is found in 7% of autopsy studies (range 1-14%) and is generally asymptomatic. 5% of the patients have symptoms, wich are basically cases of abdominal pain and recurrent pancreatitis. We report the case of a woman of 51y, postcholecystectomy with 2 episodes of pancreatitis with imaging from magnetic resonance of pancreatic divisum with communication between the dorsal and ventral pancreas. We proceeded bye endoscopy (ERCP) to dilate the major duct, and them made a minor duct papillotomy and made a hydropneumatic ball dilatation with the catheter balloon up the waist portion. The procedure was successful with 9 months of follow up.

Value of magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography for diagnosis of pancreas divisum / 第二军医大学学报

Objective: To investigate the value of magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography(MRCP) in the diagnosis of pancreas divisum by comparing with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Methods: The MRCP and ERCP images of 8 patients with pancreas divisum were retrospectively analyzed. The diagnostic accuracy and findings by MRCP were compared with those by ERCP. Results: MRCP had a diagnostic accuracy of 87.5%(7/8) based on the result of ERCP. ERCP displayed the dominant dorsal pancreatic ducts in all 8 cases and ventral pancreatic ducts in 6 cases; MRCP also displayed the dominant dorsal pancreatic ducts in all 8 cases, but the ventral pancreatic ducts only in 3 cases. Conclusion: As a non-invasive technique, MRCP has important clinical value in the diagnosis of pancreas divisum.

A Case of Successful Endoscopic Treatment for Acute Recurrent Pancreatitis Due to Pancreas Divisum with Santorinicele Masquerading as Drug Induced Pancreatitis / 대한소화기내시경학회지

There are various causes of acute pancreatitis, and accurately determining the etiology is pivotal for selecting appropriate management. Other hidden causes, such as congenital anomaly, should be considered in patients with recurrent abdominal pain or unexplained recurrent pancreatitis. A santorinicele is a focal cystic dilatation of the terminal dorsal pancreatic duct, and this is usually associated with pancreas divisum and it is a risk factor for acute pancreatitis due to the accompanying relative stenosis of the minor papilla. We present here the case of a patient who was treated for acute pancreatitis that was presumably was caused by either Rifampin or Brucellosis, and the patient recovered with conservative management. However, we eventually diagnosed pancreas divisum with santorinicele by performing MRCP and ERCP after the pancreatitis had relapsed. We report here on a case of successful endoscopic treatment for pancreas divisum with santorinicele as a cause of recurrent pancreatitis, and this was initially confused with drug or infection related pancreatitis.

Pancreas divisum and choledochal cyst.

Pancreas divisum (PD) is the most common congenital variant of the pancreas, affecting 5% to 14% of the population. The ventral duct only drains the ventral pancreas through the major papilla, whereas the majority of the pancreas drains via the dorsal duct through the minor papilla. We report the case of a 21-year-old woman with recurrent acute pancreatitis who presented with the rare finding of choledochal cyst and pancreas divisum (PD). She underwent minor papilla sphincterotomy and pancreatic duct stenting. Comparable literature findings of PD and choledochal cyst are discussed with regard to the presented case.

Endoscopic Treatment of a Pediatric Patient with Acute Pancreatitis Caused by Anomalous Union of Pancreaticobiliary Duct Combined with Incomplete Pancreatic Divisum / 대한소화기학회지

The most common causes of acute pancreatitis are microlithiasis and alcohol. In pediatrics, anomalies in pancreaticobiliary system should be considered as possible causes. Among many anomalies, pancreas divisum associated with anomalous pancreaticobiliary ductal union (APBDU) is very rare. APBDU is associated with acute pancreatitis, choledochal cyst, and gallbladder cancer. Pancreas divisum is also a well known cause of acute recurrent pancreatitis. In adult cases with such conditions, the role of endoscopic management including sphincterotomy or stenting through the Santorini duct is well documented. However, it is still controversial to perform endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in pediatrics. Herein, we experienced a case of 4 year 7 month old female patient suffered from recurrent attacks of acute pancreatitis, which were caused by APBDU and incomplete pancreas divisum. She was treated by endoscopic sphincteretomy of both openings to the Santorini's and Wirsung's ducts. Thus, we report this interesting case with literature review.

A Case of Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasm Arising from Santorini's Duct in a Patient with Complete Type of Pancreas Divisum / 대한소화기학회지

There have been an increasing number of reports of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) of the pancreas since its first report by Ohhasi et al. in 1982. Most IPMNs arise from Wirsung's duct or its branches, whereas IPMNs arising from Santorini's duct are rare. Pancreas divisum is a common congenital anatomical anomaly characterized by the lack of fusion of the ventral and dorsal parts of the pancreas during the eighth week of fetal development. Although clinical significance of pancreas divisum has been the subject of debate for many years, there seems to be little doubt that in certain patients there is a causal relation between pancreas divisum and pancreatitis. Also, it is occasionally accompanied by a pancreatic tumor. Herein, we report a case of IPMN arising from Santorini's duct in patient with complete type of pancreas divisum.