Abstract
The ampulla of Vater is formed by the union of the pancreatic duct and the common
bile duct and is also known as hepatopancreatic ampulla or hepatopancreatic duct.
The ampulla is surrounded by a muscular valve known as the sphincter of Oddi, which
controls the flow of bile and pancreatic juices into the duodenum in response to food.
The ampulla is also an important embryological landmark as it marks the anatomical
transition from foregut to the midgut. Because of this, it is a watershed zone where
the blood supply changes from the celiac axis to the superior mesenteric artery. Radiologic
evaluation of the ampulla and the periampullary region is challenging because it requires
an understanding of the embryology, the normal appearance, and different anatomic
variants. Also, a wide variety of pathologies can occur in this region. The purpose
of this review is to present the normal anatomy of the ampulla and the periampullary
region on different imaging modalities and to summarize the imaging features of the
common variants, and benign and malignant ampullary and periampullary conditions.
Understanding of the normal anatomical appearance and variants along with the knowledge
of common pathologic conditions affecting the ampulla and periampullary conditions
can help radiologists in making accurate diagnosis resulting in optimum patient care.
Keywords
ampullary - biliopancreatic junction - neoplasms - periampullary
