ERCP and CT diagnosis of pancreas divisum and its relation to etiology of chronic pancreatitis*

AIM:To inquire into the ERCP and CT features of pancreas divisum (PD) and its role in the etiology of chronic pancreatitis.METHODS:Fourteen patients with PD were analyzed in regard to the findings in ERCP and CT,the activities of serum amylase and the incidence of pancreatitis.Dorsal ductography via minor papilla cannulation was performed in six of them.RESULTS:The length of dorsal and ventral pancreatic duct was 16.56cm ± 2.52cm and 5.55cm ± 1.46cm. Most of the patients had dilatation of dorsal (10/14) and ventral (8/14) duct and the stenosis of dorsal duct terminal (10/14). Delayed clearance of contrast in dorsal duct was found in 8 patients. The size and contour of the pancreas were normal in all the patients at conventional CT. Pancreatitis was identified in 13 patients.CONCLUSION:Dorsal ductography was necessary in the diagnosis of PD. Conventional CT play little role in the diagnosis of PD.Patients with PD run a higher risk of pancreatitis due to the stenosis of the minor papilla.