Evaluation and treatment of the dominant dorsal duct syndrome (pancreas divisum redefined)

Some considerations for management of choledochal cysts

BACKGROUND

There are five types of choledochal cysts, which are anomalies that involve intrahepatic or extrahepatic bile ducts, or both. These lesions are found most frequently in patients who are Asian, female, infants but are recognized with increasing frequency in adults.

METHODS

We have managed 16 patients with this anomaly. One patient was Asian, and 1 was a child. There were 3 males and 13 females. The mean age was 29 years. There were 9 type I, 1 type II, 1 type III, 4 type IV, and 1 type V cysts. Resection of cysts and hepatico Roux-en-Y jejunostomy were performed in 9 patients for type I cysts. Pancreaticoduodenectomy was performed for a type I and a type IV cyst. The extrahepatic portion of a type IV cyst along with a segment of liver was resected in 1 patient. Operation was terminated on 1 patient with a type IV cyst because of extensive involvement of the intrahepatic ducts. She will undergo liver transplantation. The type II cyst was resected. No surgery was performed on a type III and type V cyst. Four of these patients were previously treated unsuccessfully by internal drainage procedures.

RESULTS

There was no mortality. Morbidity was limited to a patient who previously underwent incomplete resection of a cyst and a cyst Roux-Y jejununostomy. No cholangiocarcinoma has been encountered in our patients after a mean follow-up of 5.5 years from the time of initial discovery of the choledochal cyst.

CONCLUSIONS

Management of choledochal cysts is successful after their complete removal. Partial cyst resection and internal drainage is less satisfactory because of occasional pancreatitis, cholangitis, and cholangiocarcinoma. Resection of the intrahepatic and intrapancreatic portions of the cysts reduces the risk of cancer even though this risk is low after incomplete cyst excision. Biliary continuity after cyst resection is best established by Roux-Y hepaticojejunostomy.

Some considerations for management of choledochal cysts

BACKGROUND

There are five types of choledochal cysts, which are anomalies that involve intrahepatic or extrahepatic bile ducts, or both. These lesions are found most frequently in patients who are Asian, female, infants but are recognized with increasing frequency in adults.

METHODS

We have managed 16 patients with this anomaly. One patient was Asian, and 1 was a child. There were 3 males and 13 females. The mean age was 29 years. There were 9 type I, 1 type II, 1 type III, 4 type IV, and 1 type V cysts. Resection of cysts and hepatico Roux-en-Y jejunostomy were performed in 9 patients for type I cysts. Pancreaticoduodenectomy was performed for a type I and a type IV cyst. The extrahepatic portion of a type IV cyst along with a segment of liver was resected in 1 patient. Operation was terminated on 1 patient with a type IV cyst because of extensive involvement of the intrahepatic ducts. She will undergo liver transplantation. The type II cyst was resected. No surgery was performed on a type III and type V cyst. Four of these patients were previously treated unsuccessfully by internal drainage procedures.

RESULTS

There was no mortality. Morbidity was limited to a patient who previously underwent incomplete resection of a cyst and a cyst Roux-Y jejununostomy. No cholangiocarcinoma has been encountered in our patients after a mean follow-up of 5.5 years from the time of initial discovery of the choledochal cyst.

CONCLUSIONS

Management of choledochal cysts is successful after their complete removal. Partial cyst resection and internal drainage is less satisfactory because of occasional pancreatitis, cholangitis, and cholangiocarcinoma. Resection of the intrahepatic and intrapancreatic portions of the cysts reduces the risk of cancer even though this risk is low after incomplete cyst excision. Biliary continuity after cyst resection is best established by Roux-Y hepaticojejunostomy.

Outcome after Lateral Pancreaticojejunostomy in Patients with Chronic Pancreatitis Associated with Pancreas Divisum

In order to evaluate surgical outcome after lateral pancreaticojejunostomy (LPJ) in patients with pancreas divisum (PD), we compared the operative results in patients who underwent LPJ for PD with those who underwent LPJ for other causes of chronic pancreatitis. The records of 129 patients who underwent LPJ for chronic pain associated with chronic pancreatitis from 1995 through 2001 were retrospectively reviewed and analyzed. There were 21 patients (11 men, 10 women, mean age 40 years) who had PD as a cause of chronic pancreatitis. The remaining 108 patients (58 men, 50 women, mean age 48 years) had chronic pancreatitis of other etiologies. The two groups had a similar stage of disease progress measured by incidence of pancreatic duct strictures, terminal biliary stenosis, pseudocysts, insulin dependency, need for pancreatic enzymes, and symptom duration. There was no difference in operative time (200 ± 13.3 vs. 206 ± 6.1 minutes) or intraop-erative blood loss (200 vs. 300 mL) comparing the PD to the other group. The overall postoperative morbidity (14% vs. 23%) and mortality (0% vs. 2%) were not significantly different in PD versus other group comparison. Hospital length of stay was similar in both groups (7.0 ± 2.4 vs. 8.0 ± 1.3 days). In the PD group 10 per cent required reoperation with pancreatic resection for failure of LPJ to improve chronic pain versus 9 per cent in the other group. Comparison of patients who undergo LPJ for PD with those who undergo LPJ for other etiologies showed no significant difference in failure rates as measured by the need for reoperation. Postoperative morbidity and mortality were similar in both groups. Failure of LPJ in patients with PD may be related to factors associated with failure of LPJ in management of chronic pancreatitis of other causes. This includes inadequate drainage of the head of gland, failure to drain small ducts, and perineural inflammation.

Idiopathic acute pancreatitis

After routine investigations, including a thorough history, routine laboratory study, and noninvasive imaging with transcutaneous ultrasonogram, 10% to 25% of cases of acute pancreatitis have no readily identifiable cause and are termed idiopathic. But modern medicine has made notable advances in uncovering various causes of acute pancreatitis, and several new diagnostic tools that allow clinicians to less invasively approach the patient without sacrificing the diagnostic yield have been introduced. By being knowledgeable of these new changes and by their proper use in a proper circumstances, clinicians will be able to find the cause more accurately and earlier. This better management will not only improve the well-being of the patients but also reduce the number of "true" idiopathic acute pancreatitis to a minimum.

Secretin-stimulated magnetic resonance pancreaticogram to assess pancreatic duct outflow obstruction in evaluation of idiopathic acute recurrent pancreatitis: a pilot study

Magnetic resonance pancreatography is a new modality to visualize the pancreatic duct. Prolonged dilation of the pancreatic duct following secretin administration may suggest obstruction at the level of the pancreatic duct orifice. We describe 10 patients with idiopathic acute recurrent pancreatitis who underwent secretin-stimulated magnetic resonance pancreatography with subsequent endoscopic retrograde pancreatogram with or without manometry. All patients had complete visualization of the main pancreatic duct and no evidence of chronic duct disease. Two patients had pancreas divisum. Three had prolonged dilation of the pancreatic duct on secretin-stimulated magnetic resonance pancreatography and evidence of pancreatic duct outflow obstruction. Four additional patients with pancreatic duct outflow obstruction had normal secretin-stimulated magnetic resonance pancreatography. In conclusion, secretin stimulated magnetic resonance pancreatography provides high quality pancreatic duct images and has high specificity but low sensitivity for diagnosing pancreatic duct outflow obstruction using manometric/clinical criteria.

Radio-anatomic study of the pancreatic duct by MR cholangiopancreatography

To compare the performance of MR-cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) and that of classical anatomy in the depiction of the main pancreatic duct, 50 MRCP examinations were done in patients free of pancreatic disease. Axial and coronal sections 20 mm thick were obtained in a Single Shot Fast Spin Echo (SSFSE) sequence. The following were analyzed: (1) visibility of pancreatic duct structures, (2) form of the main pancreatic duct, (3) various angulations of the duct and (4) diameter of the duct. Anatomic variants were noted. These findings were compared with anatomic and radio-anatomic (ERCP) data in the literature. The main pancreatic duct was visualized in 100% of cases and the accessory pancreatic duct in 61%. The form, diameter and angulations of the various segments of the pancreatic duct were similar to those reported in the literature. These findings are reported in the axial and coronal planes. Comparison with major anatomic classifications was not possible. MRCP enables in vivo anatomic exploration of the main pancreatic duct. Horizontal sections provided new radio-anatomic information. The technique nevertheless remains limited by poor spatial resolution.

Wirsung and Santorini: the men behind the ducts

During the 16th and 17th centuries, several important discoveries were accomplished by anatomists whose contribution has enlightened the most important anatomic structures of the pancreas. Following the earliest discoveries, researchers of several medical specialities further investigated the ductal pancreatic system. The accessory pancreatic duct with its minor papilla, the main pancreatic duct and the papilla major along with the confluence of the main pancreatic duct with the bile duct and pancreas divisum, have been the objects of interest of several personalities of the medical history. Eponyms in pancreatic anatomy were given to remember some of them, although anatomical misattributions are frequent and controversial. The aim of the authors was to dedicate a small tribute to the researchers who have written, during the last 500 years, important chapters of the medical history and who dedicated their lives to study the pancreatic ducts and their duodenal endings. Furthermore, a brief outlook was dedicated to the impact of anatomic variations and of embryologic anomalies of the pancreatic ducts in our clinical practice and in our actual understanding of duct-related diseases. The authors are confident that the genial curiosity of few extraordinary personalities of the past and the opportunities provided by modern technology continue to play a major role that may finally add wisdom to decision-making in dealing with duct-related biliopancreatic diseases and safety to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures employed.

Relation between morphologic changes in the main pancreatic duct and exocrine pancreatic function after a secretin test

INTRODUCTION

Because pancreatic exocrine function testing methods are problematic, both imaging and functional tests are important in the diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis.

AIM

To evaluate the usefulness of ultrasonographic monitoring of the main pancreatic duct after a secretin test.

METHODOLOGY

A total of 70 subjects (30 control subjects, 26 patients with probable chronic pancreatitis, and 14 patients with definite chronic pancreatitis) were selected. The main pancreatic duct diameters were measured serially after an injection of secretin (100 IU/body). The relation between the magnitude of the duct dilation and exocrine pancreatic function on the secretin test was evaluated.

RESULTS

The main pancreatic duct dilated immediately after a bolus injection of secretin, showed a peak after 2-5 minutes, and recovered gradually. The response curve of the definite group had a flatter pattern than that of the other groups. For the maximal to basal duct diameter ratio, statistically significant differences were found between the control and definite groups and between the control and probable groups. In addition, the ratio correlated significantly with the maximal bicarbonate concentration and secretory volume on the secretin test.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the current study indicate that exocrine pancreatic function and the morphologic changes of the main pancreatic duct are significantly related. Dynamic ultrasonographic findings may reflect pancreatic function; consequently, this test may be a useful tool in the diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis.

Long-term results of endoscopic management of pancreas divisum with recurrent acute pancreatitis

BACKGROUND

The long-term efficacy of endoscopic treatment in pancreas divisum is controversial. This study evaluated the long-term results of dorsal duct stent insertion and endoscopic sphincterotomy of the minor papilla in patients presenting with recurrent acute pancreatitis or chronic pain.

METHODS

Pancreas divisum was diagnosed in 175 patients between 1980 and 1998. Twenty-four patients seen with recurrent acute pancreatitis without underlying chronic calcifying pancreatitis or significant alcohol consumption were included in this study with a follow-up of at least 24 months. Eight were treated by sphincterotomy of the minor papilla alone, and 16 underwent dorsal duct stent insertion for a median duration of 8 months.

RESULTS

The median duration of follow-up after endoscopic management was 39 months (range 24-105; interquartile range 40.5). All patients had recurrent acute pancreatitis before endoscopic treatment during a median period of 5 years. At the end of the follow-up there were only 2 recurrences of acute pancreatitis (p < 0.01). The number of patients with chronic pain before endoscopic treatment and at the end of follow-up decreased from 20 of 24 (83%) to 7 of 24 (29%) without reaching statistical significance. The 25% recurrence rate was estimated at 50 months by Kaplan-Meier analysis. Nine patients presented with a dilated dorsal duct before endoscopic treatment. After stent insertion, dorsal duct dilatation appeared in all 16 patients who underwent stent placement, and pancreatic duct stenosis developed in 3. Four patients (19%) required further treatment for pain recurrence or acute pancreatitis, with surgical procedures being performed in 2 cases. Complications occurred in 9 of 24 patients (38%), mainly acute pancreatitis or stenosis of the minor papilla. All complications except one were managed conservatively. Complications seemed to be less frequent after minor papilla sphincterotomy than after pancreatic stent insertion (25% vs. 44%).

CONCLUSION

In patients with pancreas divisum, both dorsal duct stent insertion and minor papilla sphincterotomy decrease the rate of recurrent acute pancreatitis, whereas relief of chronic pain was less obvious.

Recurrent Acute Pancreatitis

Patients with recurrent acute pancreatitis should be treated with the same supportive and symptom-oriented measures as those with acute pancreatitis. The need for specific treatment depends on the cause of the pancreatitis. Patients should discontinue alcohol use, putative causative medications, and exposure to toxins or helminths in endemic areas. Metabolic abnormalities need to be corrected, and appropriate treatment should be initiated for associated infections, autoimmune diseases, vasculitis, and hypercoagulable states. For patients with gallstone pancreatitis, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography is indicated if biliary obstruction persists or if cholangitis is present. Elective cholecystectomy may be performed in appropriate patients; otherwise, consider biliary sphincterotomy and ursodeoxycholic acid for prevention of recurrent attacks. Transpapillary stenting or sphincterotomy of the minor papilla benefits some patients with pancreas divisum and no other explanation for recurrent pancreatitis. Surgical sphincteroplasty is reserved for those failing endoscopic treatment. Biliary sphincterotomy benefits more than 50% of patients with sphincter of Oddi dysfunction and recurrent acute pancreatitis. Some authors advocate pancreatic sphincter manometry and sphincterotomy for persistent pancreatic segment hypertension in patients who have recurrent pancreatitis after biliary sphincterotomy. In patients with pancreatic duct strictures, transpapillary stent placement serves as a short-term measure; most patients ultimately require surgery.

Pancreas Divisum

We offer endoscopic therapy for pancreas divisum only in patients with acute recurrent pancreatitis or chronic pancreatitis, based on studies delineated in this article, which results in response rates of 80% and 50% respectively. We do not offer endoscopic therapy for patients with chronic abdominal pain in the absence of morphologic abnormalities in the pancreatic duct or parenchyma or normal laboratory study results. It has been our experience that the success rate for endoscopic cannulation and therapy directed at the minor papilla in patients with symptomatic pancreas divisum is improved when the procedure is performed with primary intent to treat in patients who have a pre-existing diagnosis of pancreas divisum, as opposed to patients who undergo diagnostic ERCP for idiopathic acute recurrent pancreatitis and are diagnosed with pancreas divisum during the procedure. We cannulate the minor papilla with ultratapered 3-F catheters and 0.018-in soft wires. It is our opinion that minor papilla sphincterotomy offers advantages over chronic stent therapy in treating patients with pancreas divisum. Although both techniques have proven efficacy, chronic stenting requires repeated procedures and results in a high incidence of stent-induced chronic duct changes, both of which can be avoided by performing a minor papillotomy. We use an ultratapered papillotome with a 20-mm monofilament cutting wire and typically use blended current. The papillotomy is extended to ablate the mucosal mound of the minor papilla typically in a 2-o'clock direction for a distance between 4 and 8 mm, depending on the patient's anatomy. Following minor papillotomy, we place temporary 5-F pancreatic duct stents to reduce the incidence of postprocedural pancreatitis, which has been demonstrated in pancreatic duct sphincterotomy of the major papilla. These stents usually migrate out after 24 to 72 hours following the procedure. We offer surgical sphincteroplasty to patients in whom minor papillotomy cannot be performed or whose disease relapses after successful endoscopic therapy.

Pancreas divisum: endoscopic therapy

Pancreas divisum is a common congenital variation that can be associated with pancreatic disease. Symptomatic patients with divisum must be classified according to clinical presentation and morphologic findings. Response to endoscopic therapy is best in patients with ARP, of whom 75% benefit. Results in patients with chronic pancreatitis and pain but without objective pancreatitis are mixed, and patients should be carefully selected.

Surgery and pancreas divisum: a dwindling role?

Pancreas divisum has generated varying enthusiasm regarding operative intervention. Applying similar principles to divisum surgery as for the surgical treatment of chronic pancreatitis will yield a better outcome than using subjective symptoms.

Recurrent acute pancreatitis: an algorithmic approach to identification and elimination of inciting factors

Recurrent acute pancreatitis represents a challenging clinical problem associated with significant morbidity, impairment in quality of life, and expense. If unchecked, recurrent episodes of acute pancreatitis may lead to chronic pancreatitis. In this work we have combined the opinion of experts in pancreatology and an extensive review of the literature to develop a logical algorithm that facilitates the stepwise identification and elimination of inciting factors using current technology. The approach taken in recurrent acute pancreatitis is clearly dependent on adequate and appropriate evaluation and treatment of the patient with an initial episode of acute pancreatitis. Future advances in the treatment of these patients will almost certainly depend on improved imaging modalities, prospective clinical trials assessing the efficacy of endoscopic and surgical intervention, a better understanding of mutations and pathophysiologic mechanisms responsible for recurrent acute pancreatitis, and the development of novel, effective preventive and therapeutic strategies.

Pancreas divisum and "santorinicele": diagnosis with dynamic MR cholangiopancreatography with secretin stimulation

PURPOSE

To evaluate the usefulness of magnetic resonance (MR) cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) before and after secretin administration in diagnosing santorinicele in patients with pancreas divisum.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred seven patients suspected of having pancreatic disease underwent MRCP before and after secretin administration (S-MRCP). S-MRCP images were evaluated for pancreas divisum and santorinicele and for size of the main pancreatic duct and santorinicele. The onset of duodenal filling was calculated on dynamic S-MRCP images.

RESULTS

Pancreas divisum was detected in five (5%) of 107 patients at MRCP and in 10 (9%) of 107 patients at S-MRCP. Santorinicele was detected in three (21%) of 14 patients at MRCP and in an additional four (seven [50%] of 14) patients at S-MRCP in patients with pancreas divisum. Santorinicele was confirmed in six of seven patients at endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP); in one of seven patients, ERCP was unsuccessful. The duct of Santorini was significantly (P: <.05) larger in the pancreatic head in patients with pancreas divisum and santorinicele (3.6 mm) compared with those with only pancreas divisum (2.2 mm). A noteworthy reduction in size of the pancreatic duct (26%) and of the santorinicele (63%) was observed after sphincterotomy. The onset of duodenal filling was delayed significantly in patients with santorinicele (2.1 vs 1.3 minutes; P: <.05).

CONCLUSION

S-MRCP helps in identifying pancreas divisum and santorinicele, which may be the cause of impeded pancreatic outflow.

[Pancreatic intubation ifn pancreas divisum]

AIM

Long-term results of endoscopic pancreatic stenting in pancreas divisum is still debated. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the efficacy of dorsal duct stenting in patients presenting with acute recurrent pancreatitis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between 1980 and 1998, among 34 patients presenting with recurrent acute pancreatitis associated with pancreas divisum, 21 were treated by pancreatic stenting during a mean time of 11 months. There were 13 men and eight women (mean age: 50 years).

RESULTS

The median follow-up was 50 (range 11-105) months. The number of patients presenting with acute pancreatitis before pancreatic stenting, at the end of stenting and at the end of the follow-up was respectively 21/21 (100%), 2/19 (10%) and 2/18 (11%) (P < 0.01). The number of patients presenting with chronic pain before stenting, at the end of stenting and at the end of the follow-up was respectively 17/21 (80%), 6/19 (31%) and 5/18 (27%) (P = 0.07). The overall morbidity rate was 8/21 patients (38%) including mainly acute pancreatitis (three cases); all but one complication were managed conservatively.

CONCLUSION

In patients with pancreas divisum, dorsal duct stenting decreases the rate of recurrent acute pancreatitis but the improvement of chronic pain appears less obvious.

Long-term results after endoscopic pancreatic stent placement without pancreatic papillotomy in acute recurrent pancreatitis due to pancreas divisum

BACKGROUND

There is no consensus regarding the appropriate endoscopic treatment for acute recurrent pancreatitis associated with pancreas divisum. Endoscopic papillotomy of the minor papilla appears to yield improvement in most cases, but optimal depth and height have not been defined.

METHODS

Endoscopic pancreatic stent placement after minor papilla dilation was performed in 25 patients with pancreas divisum and acute recurrent pancreatitis. Five patients drank alcohol daily; no other cause of pancreatitis was detected. After adequate dilation, a transpapillary pancreatic stent (5F to 7F, 5 to 7 cm) was inserted over a guidewire into the dorsal duct. The stent was replaced twice, after 2- to 3-month intervals.

RESULTS

While stents were in place, no further episodes of pancreatitis occurred in 23 patients. However, dorsal duct changes of unknown clinical significance were seen in 21 cases. At mean follow-up of 24 months (range 3 to 70 months) after stent removal, 19 (76%) remained symptom free. Pancreatitis recurred in 6 patients during the follow-up after final stent removal; no further pancreatitis occurred in 2 of 3 who underwent repeat stent insertion. Complications in the series were minimal.

CONCLUSION

Endoscopic pancreatic stent placement after minor papilla and dorsal duct dilation, without endoscopic papillotomy, provided safe and effective endoscopic treatment in patients with pancreas divisum and acute recurrent pancreatitis.

Surgical management of recurrent pancreatitis in children with pancreas divisum

OBJECTIVE

To analyze an institutional experience with pancreatitis in childhood to clarify the frequency of pancreas divisum in that patient population, the characteristics of pancreatitis in children with pancreas divisum, and the role of surgical management in their treatment.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

The role of pancreas divisum in causing acute and relapsing pancreatitis and chronic, recurring abdominal pain is controversial. Although the anatomical abnormality is present from birth, most investigators have reported cases with onset of symptoms in adulthood. The reported pediatric experience with this disorder is small, and the natural history of pancreatitis in children with pancreas divisum has not been well elucidated.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review of all children 18 years of age and younger with a discharge diagnosis of pancreatitis identified 135 patients treated in the authors' institution from 1978 to 1998. Ten patients were found to have anatomical variants of pancreas divisum associated with recurrent or chronic pancreatitis. The medical records of these patients were reviewed for data on the presentation, diagnostic findings, imaging studies, treatment, surgical findings, and pathologic findings in these children. Chart review and telephone calls were used to assess the current state of health in nine patients available for follow-up.

RESULTS

Pancreas divisum was identified in 7.4% of all children with pancreatitis and 19.2% of children with relapsing or chronic pancreatitis. Patients had early onset of recurrent episodic epigastric pain and vomiting, at a mean age of 6 years. Three patients had a positive family history of pancreatitis and one was proven by DNA analysis to have hereditary pancreatitis. Pancreatitis was documented by elevated amylase or lipase levels, and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography was the method of diagnosis of pancreas divisum in all patients. Eight patients had complete pancreas divisum and two had incomplete variants. Eight patients underwent surgery to improve ductal drainage. Seven underwent transduodenal sphincteroplasty of the accessory papilla, along with sphincteroplasty of the major papilla in two (plus septoplasty in one). Three patients underwent longitudinal pancreaticojejunostomy, as a primary procedure in one patient with midductal stenosis and in two because of recurring pancreatitis after sphincteroplasty. The surgical findings and histologic examination of five patients undergoing distal pancreatectomy revealed striking changes of advanced chronic pancreatitis. Patients responding to sphincteroplasty alone showed less severe histologic changes. Overall, three of seven patients had excellent results, three were improved, and one had continued disabling attacks of pancreatitis. The mean duration of follow-up was 7.3 years, and there were no deaths. No patients had endocrine or exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, and none required chronic analgesics.

CONCLUSIONS

Pancreas divisum is an important cause of recurrent pancreatitis in childhood and should be sought aggressively in children with more than one episode of pancreatitis or pancreatitis with a history of chronic recurrent abdominal pain. Surgical intervention is directed toward relief of ductal obstruction and may involve accessory duct sphincteroplasty alone or in combination with major sphincteroplasty and septoplasty. Patients with more distal ductal obstruction or ductal ectasia may benefit from pancreaticojejunostomy.

Severe chronic pancreatitis versus suspected pancreatic disease: dynamic MR cholangiopancreatography after secretin stimulation

PURPOSE

To assess whether secretin stimulation improves visualization of the pancreatic ducts at magnetic resonance (MR) cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) in patients with severe chronic pancreatitis or suspected pancreatic disease.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty-one patients (group 1) with chronic pancreatitis and 84 patients (group 2) with clinical and/or laboratory findings suggestive of pancreatic disease who did not have ductal alterations at ultrasonography (US) and/or computed tomography (CT) underwent MRCP before and up to 10 minutes after secretin stimulation. Size of the main pancreatic duct (head, body, tail) and duodenal filling before and after secretin stimulation were measured quantitatively. Image quality, number of main pancreatic ductal segments visualized, visualization of side branches, ductal narrowing, endoluminal filling defects, and presence of pancreas divisum were analyzed qualitatively.

RESULTS

In both groups, the size of the main pancreatic duct increased significantly 3 minutes after secretin stimulation. Reduced duodenal filling was detected in patients with severe chronic pancreatitis (P < .001). The number of segments of the main pancreatic duct visualized improved from 85 (91%) to 93 (100%) of 93 in group 1 and from 164 (65%) to 245 (97%) of 252 (P < .001) in group 2. Visualization of side branches improved from 22 (71%) to 31 (100%) of 31 in group 1 and from three (4%) to 53 (63%) of 84 (P < .001) in group 2. Pancreas divisum was visualized in one additional patient in group 1 and in six additional patients in group 2.

CONCLUSION

The administration of secretin improves visualization of the pancreatic ducts and helps in the evaluation of exocrine reserve.

Values and limitations of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose-positron-emission tomography with preoperative evaluation of patients with pancreatic masses

The aim of this study was to determine the value and limitations of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)-position-emission tomography (PET) for differentiating benign and malignant pancreatic disease and for staging malignant disease. One hundred fifty-nine patients with 89 malignant and 70 benign pancreatic lesions all received PET, computed tomography (CT), and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) before pancreatic surgery. The original reports were compared for all patients (group I; N = 159), for a subgroup that neither had fasting plasma glucose levels > or =130 mg/dL or known elevated levels of C-reactive protein ([CRP], group II; n = 123), and for the remaining patients (group III; n = 36). For group I, accuracy values (areas under receiver operating characteristic [ROC] curves) for differentiation of benign/malignant masses were 0.86 (PET), 0.93 (ERCP), 0.82 (CT), and 0.95 for ERCP + PET (N = 159). For group II, ROC areas increased to 0.92 (PET), 0.94 (p < 0.05; n = 123) (ERCP), 0.82 (CT), 0.97 (p < 0.05; n = 123) (ERCP + PET). The results for group III were 0.71 (PET), 0.81 (CT), and 0.93 (ERCP); (n = 36). With 54 patients of group II that either had contradictory or indeterminate/technically unsuccessful CT/ERCP, PET was correct in 43 patients (84%). Sensitivity/specificity for lymph node staging was 49%/63%, respectively. For patients with hepatic metastasis, PET was 70% sensitive and 95% specific, missing some metastasis that were <1 cm. PET detected peritoneal metastasis in 25% of patients, missing poorly localized microscopic spread. For selected patients who have indeterminate pancreatic masses but no hyperglycemia or serologic evidence of active inflammation, FDG-PET is an independent functional assay that significantly adds to the diagnostic accuracy of ERCP and CT in the differentiation of benign and malignant pancreatic disease. PET can reliably detect hepatic, peritoneal, and other distant metastases that are > or =1 cm.

Prevalence and clinical evolution of isolated ventral pancreatitis in alcoholic chronic pancreatitis

BACKGROUND

The role of pancreas divisum in chronic pancreatitis is controversial. Ductal changes limited to the pancreatic ventral duct (isolated ventral pancreatitis) have only been described as isolated case reports.

METHODS

In a cohort of 542 patients with chronic pancreatitis we determined the frequency of ventral chronic pancreatitis among patients with pancreas divisum and analyzed the clinical presentation of 10 patients with isolated ventral alcohol-induced pancreatitis compared with 10 patients with isolated dorsal alcohol-induced pancreatitis and 30 patients with chronic pancreatitis and without pancreas divisum. Magnetic resonance pancreatography under secretin stimulation was used to evaluate the status of the dorsal pancreatic duct in some patients during follow-up.

RESULTS

We identified 62 (11.4%) patients with pancreas divisum and 16 (2.9%) patients with incomplete pancreas divisum. The ventral duct was affected by chronic pancreatitis in 74% of these patients. Isolated ventral or dorsal duct alterations were identified in 14% and 26%, respectively, of patients with pancreas divisum. Patients with isolated ventral pancreatitis had pain symptoms similar to those of the two other groups but had no endocrine or exocrine insufficiency on initial presentation. After a mean follow-up of 44 months, 83% of patients studied with isolated ventral pancreatitis developed alterations of the dorsal ductal part of the gland.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that isolated ventral alcohol-induced pancreatitis is one of the first manifestations of generalized pancreatic disease where the anatomic factor of pancreas divisum plays only a marginal role.

Does aging influence pancreatic response in the ultrasound secretin test by impairing hydrokinetic exocrine function or sphincter of Oddi motor function?

BACKGROUND

Secretin administration induces a brief distinct dilatation of the main pancreatic duct in healthy persons, visible at ultrasonography. Several investigations have indicated that sonographic duct measurements before and after secretin injections are a useful tool in the diagnostic screening for pancreatic disease.

AIMS

Aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of aging on the test results.

METHODS

We examined prospectively two groups of patients with distinctly different mean age, measuring the pancreatic duct diameter sonographically before, 2, 4, 6 and 10 minutes after intravenous injection of 1 CU secretin per kilogram body weight. The examination was performed in all patients on account of abdominal complaints, and pancreatic disease could be excluded by further diagnostic procedures. Group 1 consisted of 22 patients, median age 30.5 years, Group 2: 21 patients, median age 68 years.

RESULTS

The younger patients (Group 1) had a mean basal pancreatic duct diameter of 1.6 mm. After secretin injection they showed dilatation reading 3. 1 mm, corresponding to 94% of the basal duct diameter. The older patients (Group 2), with a basal diameter of 1.9 mm, showed a duct enlargement of about 84% to 3.5 mm. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups concerning extent and temporal development of secretin-induced pancreatic duct dilatation.

CONCLUSIONS

The underlying mechanisms of response to secretin stimulation - hydrokinetic pancreatic function, sphincter of Oddi motor function, and extensibility of Wirsung's duct--do not seem to be impaired by aging. Thus, the ultrasound secretin test should be suitable for application in older patients.

Causes of acute and recurrent pancreatitis. Clinical considerations and clues to diagnosis

The causes of acute pancreatitis are well documented and usually are divided into alcohol-induced, gallstone, miscellaneous, and idiopathic when no immediate cause is found. Clinically, the cause is either immediately discernable from the history and a few standard investigations, less obvious and requiring more detailed studies, or obscure and even speculative. The physician can whittle away at the idiopathic group by increasingly recognizing causes such as biliary sludge or microlithiasis, sphincter of Oddi dysfunction, hereditary pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis, or autoimmune causes. The prevalence of these and other rare conditions is the focus of intense research. Whether these increasingly recognized causes will significantly alter the current incidence of 10% to 30% of cases classified as idiopathic pancreatitis, only time will tell.

Surgical treatment of chronic pancreatitis and quality of life after operation

In conclusion, surgical therapy in patients with chronic pancreatitis may be characterized as follows: 1. Independently, several investigators have found intraductal and intraparenchymatous hypertension in patients with chronic pancreatitis. Decompression of the ductal system as the main principle of surgical therapy achieves clinical pain relief in most patients with chronic pancreatitis. The precondition is a consequent drainage of the main pancreatic duct and tributary ducts of second and third order up to the prepapillary region. The presence of an inflammatory tumor in the head of the pancreas or ductal abnormalities in the prepapillary region or a pancreas divisum requires performance of an extended drainage operation (LPJ-LPHE) to achieve pain relief and an improved quality of life. An extended drainage operation effectively manages complications arising from adjacent organs, such as distal common bile duct stenosis, segmental duodenal stenosis, and internal pancreatic fistulas. The extent of decompression has to be tailored to the anatomic and morphologic situation of the patient. 2. In patients with chronic pancreatitis, the main pancreatic duct is usually dilated. A small duct (3-5 mm) is only small for the surgeon. For the sclerosing entity of chronic pancreatitis with a truly small duct, that is, less than 3 mm in diameter ("small duct disease"), a longitudinal V-shaped excision of the ventral pancreas, as opposed to left resection, provides a new perspective for a sufficient drainage. 3. In the presence of segmental portal hypertension, a simple or extended drainage operation does not result in a normalization of the portal venous blood flow; however, how often relevant upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage develops from segmental portal hypertension is unclear. Therefore, the clinical relevance of this special problem needs further evaluation. 4. Postoperative morbidity of LPJ-LPHE is significantly lower in comparison to resectional procedures, such as PD, PPPD, and DPRHP. A lower perioperative mortality rate is not justified anymore as a relevant criterion in favor of drainage procedures because resectional procedures are burdened by a minimal or no mortality in experienced centers; however, PD and PPPD are greatly hampered by a significantly decreased postoperative global quality of life as opposed to the LPJ-LPHE. This is reflected by a significantly lower rate of social and professional rehabilitation. 5. The incidence of exocrine and endocrine organ dysfunction is lower after LPJ-LPHE compared with PD or PPPD, but not compared with DPRHP. Preservation of the gastroduodenal passage and the continuity of the bile duct with its associated feedback mechanisms of exocrine pancreatic secretion and glucose metabolism seem to be responsible for this phenomenon. 6. An early surgical or endoscopic interventional drainage of the hypertensive pancreatic duct system possibly offers the chance to favorably manipulate the natural course of chronic pancreatitis with regard to a delayed onset of exocrine or endocrine insufficiency. 7. Late mortality reflects continued alcohol abuse rather than the effect of an operative procedure.

Interventional treatment of acute and chronic pancreatitis. Endoscopic procedures

The role of therapeutic endoscopy in the treatment of acute and chronic pancreatitis has expanded dramatically over the past 10 years. Drainage of pseudocysts and even organized pancreatic necrosis when localized are becoming commonplace. Other areas in which therapeutic endoscopy has been shown to be efficacious include severe biliary pancreatitis, pancreatic duct disruptions, strictures, and obstructive calculi. Its role in the management of acute recurrent pancreatitis with presumed Oddi's sphincter dysfunction or pancreas divisum continues to be defined. The cost-effectiveness and minimally invasive nature of endoscopic therapy compared with surgery should ensure the continued development of these techniques. More controlled, prospective data are required.

Clinical presentation and short-term outcome of endoscopic therapy of patients with symptomatic incomplete pancreas divisum

BACKGROUND

The clinical significance of incomplete pancreas divisum (IPD) has not been fully described. In this study we report the clinical presentation and results of endoscopic treatment of the 32 (0.6%) patients with IPD seen at our center over a 10-year period.

METHODS

The study population consisted of 24 women and 8 men (mean age 42 years, range 13 to 82 years). Ten (31%) patients presented with acute recurrent pancreatitis, 5 (16%) with chronic pancreatitis, and 3 (9%) with pancreatic type pain. Detailed history, laboratory tests, US, CT, and ERCP excluded other etiologies for their symptoms. The remaining 14 (44%) presented with biliary problems. The 18 symptomatic patients with IPD were treated as follows: 8 received dorsal duct stents, 3 underwent minor papilla endoscopic sphincterotomy and dorsal duct stent placement, 4 had minor papilla dilatation only, and 3 had ventral duct stents placed.

RESULTS

Patients were then followed for recurrence of pancreatitis and pancreatic-type pain. Mean follow-up was 15.5 months (range 3 to 30 months). Six (60%) of the patients with acute recurrent pancreatitis and 4 (80%) with chronic pancreatitis benefitted from the endoscopic therapy. However, only 1 (33%) of the patients with pancreatic-type pain benefitted.

CONCLUSION

The clinical presentation and response to endoscopic therapy of patients with ICP appeared to be similar to that of patients with complete pancreas divisum.

An experimental study in etiologic effect of pancreas divisum on chronic pancreatitis and its pathogenesis

AIM: To investigate the etiologic association of pancreas divisum (PD) with chronic pancreatitis and to clarify its pathogenesis.

METHODS: A PD canine model was established in 32 dogs. The dogs were randomly divvided into 4 groups (n = 8). Group I: The communicating branch between the dorsal and ventral pancreatic ducts was partly ligated Group IIa: The communicating branch was amputated and completely ligated Group IIb: The dorsal duct was amputated and ligated at 2 mm distance to the minor papilla. Group III: A sham operation without any amputation or ligation was performed. Before and after operation, the activities of serum phospholipase A2 (PLA2) and amylase (Ams) were assayed and the basal pressures of the ducts were measured when secretin was injected. Pancreatic ductograhpy and the pathologic examination were made.

RESULTS: The activities of serum PLA2 and ams in Group I, IIa, and IIb were sigificantly increased 5-80 d after operation. At sacrifice, the basal pressures of the ventral duct were significantly wiaher 30 min-60 min after provocation in Group I, IIa and IIb. The pressures of the dorsal duct were significantly increased in Group IIb but no difference in Group I and IIa. Under light microscopy the fibrosis of interlobus and periducts, the destruction of acini and infiltratiob of inflammatory cell in dorsal and ventral pancreas were found in Group IIb. But in Group I and IIa, this findings were pesent only in ventral pancreas. The electron microscopy showed that in ventral pancreas of Group I and IIa and the dorsal and ventral pancreas of Group IIb, the rough endoplasmic reticulum of the acinar cells showed granules-scaling, fusion and dilatation. The zymogen granules decreased and the mitochondria was swollen.

CONCLUSION: PD is one of etiologic factors in chronic pancreatitis. The pathogenesis is the functional obstruction of the minor papilla at the peak stage of secretion.

Pancreas divisum and stenosis of the major and minor papillae in an 8-year-old girl: treatment by dual sphincteroplasty

Pancreas divisum is the most common congenital anomaly of the pancreas. Its relationship to the development of pancreatitis is controversial. The authors report on an 8-year-old girl who presented with recurrent bouts of acute pancreatitis and multiple failed attempts at endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) who was referred for surgical exploration. She was found to have marked stenoses of both major and minor papillae and an intraoperative pancreaticogram consistent with pancreas divisum. She underwent sphincteroplasty of both major and minor papillae and remains symptom-free after 22 months. It is believed that in a patient with pancreatitis and pancreas divisum, or in a patient with pancreatitis and multiple failed attempts at ERCP, transduodenal exploration and intraoperative pancreaticogram are appropriate next steps in management. If pancreas divisum in association with minor papilla stenosis is found, sphincteroplasty is appropriate therapy. If major papilla stenosis is also present, we recommend sphincteroplasty of both the major and minor papillae.

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 pancre-atic duct was 16.56 cm ± 2.52 cm and 5.55 cm ± 1.46 cm. 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. Pan-creatitis 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.

Clinical uses of gut peptides

OBJECTIVE

The authors review clinical applications of gut-derived peptides as diagnostic and therapeutic agents.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

An increasing number of gut peptides have been evaluated for clinical use. Earlier uses as diagnostic agents have been complemented more recently by increasing application of gut peptides as therapeutic agents.

METHOD

The authors conducted a literature review.

RESULTS

Current experience with clinical use of gut peptides is described. Initial clinical applications focused on using secretomotor effects of gut peptides in diagnostic tests, many of which have now fallen into disuse. More recently, attention has been directed toward harnessing these secretomotor effects for therapeutic use in a variety of disorders, and also using the trophic effects of gut peptides to modulate gut mucosal growth in benign and malignant disease. Gut peptides have been evaluated in a variety of other clinical situations including use as adjuncts to imaging techniques, and modification of behaviors such as feeding and panic disorder.

CONCLUSIONS

Gut peptides have been used successfully in an increasing variety of clinical conditions. Further refinements in analogue and antagonist design are likely to lead to even more selective agents that may have important clinical applications. Further studies are needed to identity and evaluate these new agents.

Division of the sphincter of Oddi for treatment of dysfunction associated with recurrent pancreatitis

Increasing evidence suggests that motility disorders of the sphincter of Oddi may lead to episodes of recurrent pancreatitis in a small proportion of patients with the diagnosis of idiopathic recurrent pancreatitis. Over 10 years, 35 patients have been identified and treated for this condition. The aim of the study was to assess symptomatic outcome in these patients. Following the exclusion of common causes of pancreatitis the patients underwent sphincter of Oddi manometry. Patients with manometric abnormalities and three with normal manometric findings underwent treatment. Twenty-six patients with persistent symptoms underwent total division of the sphincter via open sphincteroplasty and septectomy. Patients were followed up according to symptoms and classed as having a cure, mild symptoms or no change. At a median follow-up of 24 (range 9-105) months, 15 of the 26 patients were cured, eight had only mild symptoms and three remained unchanged. In the majority of patients with a good clinical outcome, manometry had demonstrated sphincter of Oddi stenosis. Total division of the sphincter of Oddi is associated with good symptomatic outcome in patients with recurrent episodes of pancreatitis and documented sphincter of Oddi stenosis.

Influence of severe underlying pathology and hypovolemic shock on the development of acute pancreatitis in children

Acute pancreatitis in children is a little known and poorly defined disease, and thus rarely considered in the diagnosis of pediatric abdominal pain. In the past 14 years, the authors treated 21 children who had acute pancreatitis. Trauma was the cause of the disease in 29% of the patients. One third (33%) had hypovolemic shock-related pancreatitis (mostly after either cardiopulmonary bypass or severe gastrointestinal bleeding). Furthermore, a major proportion (38%) had severe underlying organic disease. The clinical presentation was unremarkable; most patients (83%) had abdominal pain, especially in the epigastrium, and vomiting was the only other clinical sign exhibited by more than 50%. The Glasgow score (a severity grading system based on eight laboratory values and calculated within the first 48 hours after admission) had good specificity but poor sensitivity. Amylasemia had no predictive value. More than half our patients (57%) had complications, mainly pseudocysts (24%) and relapse (14%), and about one quarter (24%) had severe pancreatitis. There were two deaths (10%), and all surviving children (90%) eventually were symptom-free. Treatment was conservative in the majority of cases; eight patients (38%) required surgery. Hypovolemic shock and a severe underlying pathology were identified as risk factors for the occurrence of severe pancreatitis (P < .005) or death (P < .001), but not for the development of complications.

Division of the sphincter of Oddi for treatment of dysfunction associated with recurrent pancreatitis

Increasing evidence suggests that motility disorders of the sphincter of Oddi may lead to episodes of recurrent pancreatitis in a small proportion of patients with the diagnosis of idiopathic recurrent pancreatitis. Over 10 years, 35 patients have been identified and treated for this condition. The aim of the study was to assess symptomatic outcome in these patients. Following the exclusion of common causes of pancreatitis the patients underwent sphincter of Oddi manometry. Patients with manometric abnormalities and three with normal manometric findings underwent treatment. Twenty-six patients with persistent symptoms underwent total division of the sphincter via open sphincteroplasty and septectomy. Patients were followed up according to symptoms and classed as having a cure, mild symptoms or no change. At a median follow-up of 24 (range 9-105) months, 15 of the 26 patients were cured, eight had only mild symptoms and three remained unchanged. In the majority of patients with a good clinical outcome, manometry had demonstrated sphincter of Oddi stenosis. Total division of the sphincter of Oddi is associated with good symptomatic outcome in patients with recurrent episodes of pancreatitis and documented sphincter of Oddi stenosis.

Unique presentation of heterotopic pancreatic tissue arising from small-bowel mesentery

Heterotopic pancreatic tissue in the small-bowel mesentery is an extremely rare anomaly: no such case has been reported in the English literature. We report a 5-year-old boy in whom the aberrant tissue formed a retroperitoneal cyst. The condition was further complicated by a ventral pancreatic duct defect. The unique clinical manifestations and difficulty in making the diagnosis are discussed.

Endoscopic approach to pancreas divisum

Pancreas divisum has been claimed to be a harmless congenital variant or to occasionally cause acute relapsing pancreatitis (ARP), chronic pancreatitis (CP), or a chronic abdominal pain (CAP) syndrome. Both surgical and endoscopic approaches to accessory papilla decompression have been promulgated and widely disparate results reported in the literature. We retrospectively reviewed a five-year experience with dorsal pancreatic duct decompression at our institution utilizing a variety of endotherapeutic techniques. Data collected included procedural complications; patient interpretation of pre- and posttherapy pain, frequency, and intensity graded on an analog pain scale; frequency of hospitalization; and patient perception of "global" improvement to endotherapy. At a mean follow-up of 20 months, there was a statistically significant decrease in pancreatitis incidence in 15 patients with ARP (P = 0.016) and 19 patients with CP (P = 0.025). The frequency and intensity of chronic pain was also significantly improved (P < 0.001) in the latter group. In contrast, only one of five patients with CAP and normal dorsal pancreatography and secretin tests experienced global improvement, and there was no improvement utilizing an analog pain scale (P = 0.262) in the group as a whole. There was a 20% incidence of mild procedure or subsequent stent-related pancreatitis and an 11.5% accessory papilla restenosis rate. It is concluded that a subset of carefully selected patients with pancreas divisum may respond to endotherapy but that long-term follow-up will be required to define its ultimate place in the management of symptomatic patients with this anomaly.

Pancreatic development and anatomical variation

The pancreas is formed by the fusion of the ventral and dorsal anlage, and a wide spectrum of anomalies or anatomical variations may appear related to this complicated process of fusion: e.g., agenesis, aplasia of a pancreatic anlage, hypoplasia, annular pancreas, pancreas divisum or nonfusion of the ventral and dorsal duct system, pancreaticobiliary maljunction, etc. Every endoscopist who engages in pancreatography or related diagnostic and therapeutic procedures should always be aware of all sorts of anatomical variations he or she might encounter.

Ventral pancreatitis in a patient with pancreas divisum

Pancreas divisum results in drainage of most pancreatic secretions through the minor papilla via the dorsal duct, and the association of minor papilla stenosis has been implicated as a cause of pancreatitis. Most of the reported cases represent pancreatitis confined to the dorsal part. The authors treated a 10-year-old boy with recurrent pancreatitis that was substantially more severe in the ventral part. The patient was referred with a brief history of abdominal pain and had undergone a laparotomy when segmental ventral pancreatitis had been observed. Severe pancreatitis and acute renal failure developed, which required drainage of the lesser sac and hemodialysis, respectively. After 5 months, he had another episode that subsequently led to a pseudocyst in the ventral part. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography via minor papilla showed a normal-caliber dorsal duct communicating with a part of the fine ventral ducts. A normal biliary tree was shown, but no ventral duct was visualized by cannulation to the major papilla of Vater. Dual sphincteroplasties and a cholecystectomy were performed. The minor papilla was stenotic and admitted only the finest lacrimal duct probe. The orifice of the ventral duct could not be observed. Thus it was clarified that the dorsal duct with its stenotic orifice had drained both the dorsal and ventral pancreas. The patient has remained asymptomatic over 36 months postoperatively. Despite their limited experience, the authors believe that (1) this anatomic variant led to ventral pancreatitis, and (2) the sphincteroplasty of the minor papilla was successful.