March 12, 2011 in Digestive Dirorders

Pancreas divisum is a congenital defect (present at the time of birth) of the pancreas. The pancreas, which is situated behind the stomach is an organ of the digestive system and plays a crucial role by secreting enzymes useful for digestion. but it can so happen that the two pancreatic ducts would fail to form a single pancreatic duct and remain as two individual ducts.

This problem is sometimes also referred to as pancreatic divisum.

Pancreas Divisum: The exact cause of the this birth disorder is unknown. but as mentioned above, the two pancreatic ducts would remain as two while the baby is still in the mother’s womb. The pancreatic duct is the one through which the enzymes secreted by the pancreas have to flow.

In many, this defect goes unnoticed and would lead a normal life. a select few though, can develop acute pancreatitis.

Symptoms: As mentioned above, most people who possess a pancreatic divisum would go undiagnosed unless and until they develop a severe inflammation of the pancreas called pancreatitis. Only, one percent of them are known to develop pancreatitis.

People who develop acute pancreatitis suffer from severe abdominal swelling and cramping along with other symptoms like nausea. The pain experienced in the abdomen can also spread to the back on a few occasions. In some, chronic pancreatitis could also develop.

Diagnosis: The most efficient way to diagnose a pancreatic divisum is by using the endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) technique. this is an imaging technique that can easily illustrate the presence of the two individual pancreatic ducts. but there is every chance that, this technique may lead to the development of pancreatitis.

Doctors may also choose to use other imaging techniques like MRCP (magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography) and CT scan.

Treatment: The swelling of the pancreatic ducts can lead to a blockage and cause problems in which case doctors may choose to perform a sphincterotomy or stent insertion in people who have a pancreas divisum. but both the options can present some risks.