What does a dilated pancreatic duct mean?
Conclusion: Slight dilatation of the main pancreatic duct appears to be a sign of high risk for pancreatic cancer. The systematic examination of high-risk subjects is recommended for the early detection of pancreatic cancer.
What is accessory pancreatic duct?
The accessory pancreatic duct (APD) is the main drainage duct of the dorsal pancreatic bud in the embryo, entering the duodenum at the minor duodenal papilla (MIP). With the growth, the duct of the dorsal bud undergoes varying degrees of atrophy at the duodenal end.
What can cause an enlarged pancreatic duct?
Heavy alcohol use is the most common cause. Other causes include heredity, cystic fibrosis, high levels of calcium or fats in the blood, certain medications, and some autoimmune conditions. Pancreatic pseudocyst is an accumulation of fluid and tissue debris in the pancreas, which can occur after a case of pancreatitis.
Can gallstones cause a dilated pancreatic duct?
About 15 percent of people with gallstones will develop stones in the common bile duct. Obstruction of the common bile duct may also lead to obstruction of the pancreatic duct because these ducts are usually connected.
Can a dilated pancreatic duct be normal?
A dilated pancreatic duct can arise from benign or malignant disease or can be a variant of normal in the right clinical setting. Dilated pancreatic ducts can arise from solid or cystic pancreatic tumors and, in the right setting, may warrant endoscopic evaluation and therapy, including stenting and dilation.
What is the purpose of accessory pancreatic duct?
Under most circumstances, pancreatic fluid is emptied into the duodenum through the main pancreatic duct. However, in some people, the accessory duct is responsible for drainage of the anterosuperior portion of the head, which enters the duodenum through the minor papilla.