MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Pancreas divisum

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Pancreas divisum

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Definition Causes, incidence, and risk factors Symptoms Signs and tests	Treatment Expectations (prognosis) Complications Calling your health care provider Prevention

Illustrations

Digestive system

Endocrine glands

Pancreas

Definition Return to top

Pancreas divisum is a congenital defect in which parts of the pancreas to fail to fuse together.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top

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 Return to top

Abdominal pain
Nausea or vomiting
Abdominal distention

Note: There may be no symptoms.

Signs and tests Return to top

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

Treatment Return to top

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) Return to top

The probable outcome is good with treatment.

Complications Return to top

The main complication of pancreas divisum is pancreatitis.

Calling your health care provider Return to top

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

Prevention Return to top

Because this is a congenital disorder (present at birth), there is no known prevention.

Update Date: 10/9/2003

Updated by: Christian Stone, M. D., Division of Gastroenterology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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