Closed loop of main duct of pancreas: a rare variant configuration

Surg Radiol Anat. 2017 Dec;39(12):1405-1407. doi: 10.1007/s00276-017-1873-4. Epub 2017 May 18.

Abstract

During routine dissection, duplication of main pancreatic duct extending from body to head region of pancreas was observed in a 78-year-old formalin fixed male cadaver. Main pancreatic duct gave a prominent branch which joined back the parent duct in head resulting in the formation of a closed loop. This gave the appearance of focal duplication in the form of a closed loop, an unusual variant. This was an incidental finding. Such cases usually remain asymptomatic; however, if undetected may be the cause of postoperative pancreatic fistula following pancreaticobiliary surgery. Knowledge of variable anatomy of pancreatic duct system became important to reduce the risk of postoperative complication and during various endoscopic guided procedures like drainage of pseudocyst or placement of stent into the duct.

Keywords: Anatomical variants; Main pancreatic duct; Pancreatic resection; Postoperative pancreatic fistula.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Anatomic Variation
  • Cadaver
  • Humans
  • Incidental Findings
  • Male
  • Pancreatic Ducts / anatomy & histology*