In this Article

• What is pancreas divisum?
• What causes pancreas divisum?
• What are pancreas divisum symptoms?
• How is pancreas divisum diagnosed?
• How is pancreas divisum treated?
• Pancreas Divisum Glossary
• Pancreas Divisum Index

How is pancreas divisum diagnosed?

The most accurate test to diagnose pancreas divisum is ERCP, which can demonstrate the presence of two separately draining pancreatic ducts. However, ERCP itself sometimes can cause attacks of pancreatitis. Other tests that can help diagnose pancreas divisum without the risk of causing pancreatitis include endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging).

How is pancreas divisum treated?

Pancreas divisum without symptoms needs no treatment. Treatment of patients with abdominal pain and recurrent pancreatitis attributable to pancreas divisum has not been well established. Some doctors will attempt sphincterotomy (cutting of the minor papilla during ERCP to enlarge its opening). Others will insert a stent during ERCP into the duct to prevent duct blockage. These procedures are not risk free. Therefore, patients with symptomatic pancreas divisum are best evaluated and treated by doctors in centers experienced in treating pancreatic diseases.

Suggested Reading by Our Doctors

• CT Scan (Computerized Axial Tomography) - CT Scan (Computerized Axial Tomography, CAT scan) is a procedure that assists in diagnosing tumors, fractures, bony structures, and infections in the organs and tissues of the body.
• Pancreatitis - Read about acute and chronic pancreatitis; including description, causes, symptoms, how it is diagnosed, and treated.
• Ultrasound - Learn an ultrasound procedure, and conditions and diseases it assists in diagnosing and screening like tumors, cysts, heart conditions and more.

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