Annular pancreas

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]

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Causes

It is typically associated with abnormal embryological development, however adult cases can develop.

Presentation

Early signs of abnormality include polyhydramnios, or an excess of amniotic fluid, low birth weight, and feeding intolerance immediately after birth.

Diagnosis

Postnatal diagnostic procedures include abdominal x-ray and ultrasound, CT scan, and upper GI and small bowel series.

Treatment

Treatment usually is bypassing the obstructed segment of dudenum by duodeno-doudenostomy. Another approach is laparoscopic gastrojejunostomy.^[2]

References

1. ^ 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.
2. ^ 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.