What is the pancreas divisum?
Pancreas Divisum is the most common congenital abnormality of the pancreas. It occurs in approximately 7% of the general population. This condition is caused by the failure of the fusion of pancreatic ducts during embryologic development (within the mothers womb). Pancreas divisum is diagnosed at the time of a pancreatography. In the past, this was only accomplished by an ERCP (Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography). Currently, MRCP (magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography) can also be used to diagnose this condition. Pancreatitis is a complication of Pancreas divisum. Approximately 20% of the causes of idiopathic pancreatitis are due to pancreas divisum. Most patients with Pancreas divisum have no symptoms of pancreatitis. Pancreas divisum is believed to cause pancreatitis due to having the majority of the pancreatic secretions drain through a very small opening (the accessory ampulla). This condition may cause relapsing pancreatitis and eventually chronic pancreatitis. I
