Anatomical features of the minor duodenal papilla in pancreas divisum.
BACKGROUND
Clinical expression of pancreas divisum is often explained as a consequence of relative or true stenosis of the minor papilla with dorsal duct obstruction. This anatomo-functional study of the minor papilla in pancreas divisum has included its topographical, functional and structural features.


METHODS
The study was carried out on 37 human autopsy specimens of duodenopancreas, which underwent pancreatography, manometrically controlled perfusion and light microscopy.


RESULTS
One pancreas divisum was detected in the study group. In this case, the distances between the minor and the major papilla was 24.0 mm, and between the minor papilla and the superior duodenal flexure 27.4 mm. The minor papilla was patent when perfused under pressure of 10 mmHg, and its light microscopy revealed regular global histological organization with only light fibrosis and no cellular atypia.


CONCLUSIONS
The structure and position of the minor papilla in pancreas divisum did not significantly differ from the ones in fused pancreases.
Alempijevic
Tamara
T
Clinic of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Institute for Digestive Diseases, Clinical Center of Serbia, Dr Koste Todorovica 6, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia.
Stimec
Bojan
B
Kovacevic
Nada
N
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001344:Autopsy; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008365:Manometry; D008859:Microscopy, Polarization; D008875:Middle Aged; D010179:Pancreas / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000648:ultrastructure; D010183:Pancreatic Ducts / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000648:ultrastructure; D010477:Perfusion / Q000379:methods; D011856:Radiographic Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods; D012965:Sodium Chloride / Q000008:administration & dosage; D014654:Vascular Patency
D003287:Contrast Media; D012965:Sodium Chloride