Annular pancreas
For patient information page on this topic, click here.
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Annular pancreas is a rare condition in which the second part of the duodenum is surrounded by a ring of pancreatic tissue continuous with the head of the pancreas. This portion of the pancreas can constrict the duodenum and block or impair the flow of food to the rest of the intestines. It occurs in 1 out of 12,000 to 15,000 newborns.[1] [2]
Pathophysiology
Annular pancreas is typically associated with abnormal embryological development, however adult cases can develop. It can result from growth of a bifid ventral pancreatic bud around the duodenum, where the parts of the bifid ventral bud fuse with the dorsal bud, forming a pancreatic ring. It can also result if the ventral pancreatic bud fails to fully rotate, so it remains on the right or if the dorsal bud rotates in the wrong direction, such that the duodenum is surrounded by pancreatic tissue. Blockage of the duodenum develops if inflammation (pancreatitis) develops in the annular pancreas.
Diagnosis
X Ray
Postnatal diagnostic procedures include abdominal x-ray and ultrasound, CT scan, and upper GI and small bowel series
CT
CT or MRI studies may show normal pancreatic tissue, with or without a small pancreatic duct, encircling the duodenum.
Treatment
Surgery
Surgical resection is recommended for symptomatic cases. Treatment usually is bypassing the obstructed segment of duodenum by duodeno-doudenostomy. Another approach is laparoscopicgastrojejunostomy.[3]
References
- ↑ Lainakis N, Antypas S, Panagidis A; et al. (2005). “Annular pancreas in two consecutive siblings: an extremely rare case”. European journal of pediatric surgery : official journal of Austrian Association of Pediatric Surgery … [et al] = Zeitschrift für Kinderchirurgie. 15 (5): 364–8. doi:10.1055/s-2005-865838. PMID 16254852.
- ↑ Yu, Jinxing, Turner, Mary Ann, Fulcher, Ann S., Halvorsen, Robert A.Congenital Anomalies and Normal Variants of the Pancreaticobiliary Tract and the Pancreas in Adults: Part 2, Pancreatic Duct and Pancreas. Am. J. Roentgenol. 2006 187: 1544-1553
- ↑ De Ugarte DA, Dutson EP, Hiyama DT (2006). “Annular pancreas in the adult: management with laparoscopic gastrojejunostomy”. The American surgeon. 72 (1): 71–3. PMID 16494188.
Template:Congenital malformations and deformations of digestive system
Historical Perspective
Please help WikiDoc by adding content here. It’s easy! Click here to learn about editing.
References
Template:Congenital malformations and deformations of digestive system
Pathophysiology
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Annular pancreas is typically associated with abnormal embryological development, however adult cases can develop. It can result from growth of a bifid ventral pancreatic bud around the duodenum, where the parts of the bifid ventral bud fuse with the dorsal bud, forming a pancreatic ring. It can also result if the ventral pancreatic bud fails to fully rotate, so it remains on the right or if the dorsal bud rotates in the wrong direction, such that the duodenum is surrounded by pancreatic tissue. Blockage of the duodenum develops if inflammation (pancreatitis) develops in the annular pancreas.
Pathophysiology
Associated Conditions
Annular pancreas is a congenital birth defect. Certain conditions may be associated with annular pancreas, these are:
- Down syndrome
- Other congenital gastrointestinal problems
- Pancreatitis
- Excessive amniotic fluid during pregnancy (polyhydramnios)
References
Template:Congenital malformations and deformations of digestive system
Causes
Please help WikiDoc by adding content here. It’s easy! Click here to learn about editing.
References
Template:Congenital malformations and deformations of digestive system
Differentiating Annular Pancreas from other Diseases
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Please help WikiDoc by adding more content here. It’s easy! Click here to learn about editing.
Differentiating Annular Pancreas from other Diseases
Differential diagnosis includes:
- Pancreatic divisum: failure of the dorsal and ventral pancreatic ducts to fuse resulting in the majority of secretions exiting via the accessory pancreatic duct
- Pancreatic neoplasms
- Duplication cyst of the duodenum
- Duodenal atresia (failure of canalization of small intestine or part of it)
References
Template:Congenital malformations and deformations of digestive system
Epidemiology and Demographics
Please help WikiDoc by adding content here. It’s easy! Click here to learn about editing.
References
Template:Congenital malformations and deformations of digestive system
Risk Factors
Please help WikiDoc by adding content here. It’s easy! Click here to learn about editing.
References
Template:Congenital malformations and deformations of digestive system
Screening
Please help WikiDoc by adding content here. It’s easy! Click here to learn about editing.
References
Template:Congenital malformations and deformations of digestive system
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Please help WikiDoc by adding more content here. It’s easy! Click here to learn about editing.
Complications
- Obstructive jaundice
- Pancreatitis
- Peptic ulcer
- Perforation of the intestine due to obstruction
- Peritonitis
Prognosis
Surgery is curative and the outcome is usually good.
References
Template:Congenital malformations and deformations of digestive system
Diagnosis
History and Symptoms | Physical Examination | Laboratory Findings | X Ray | CT | MRI | Echocardiography or Ultrasound | Other Imaging Findings | Other Diagnostic Studies
Treatment
Treatment
Medical Therapy | Surgery | Prevention | Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy | Future or Investigational Therapies
Looking for the patient version?
© 2026 MyEClinic – IFTM Institut für Telematik in der Medizin GmbH