Abstract
Purpose: Paraduodenal pancreatitis (PP) is a unique form of focal chronic pancreatitis that selectively involves the duodenum
and aberrant pancreatic tissue located near the minor papilla (beyond the pancreas
proper). The pseudotumoral nature of the disease often generates considerable clinical
quandary and patient apprehension, and therefore merits a better understanding. The
present study appraises the clinicoradiological manifestations of PP in 33 patients.
Materials and Methods: Clinical, laboratory, and radiological manifestations of 33 patients of PP treated
in gastroenterology/hepatology and hepato-pancreatico-biliary surgery units during
June 2010-August 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. Results: All patients were young to middle-aged men (100%) with history of alcohol abuse (93.9%)
and/or smoking (42.4%), who presented either with acute or gradually worsening abdominal
pain (90.9%). Pancreatic enzymes and serum tumor markers remained normal or were mildly/transiently
elevated. Cystic variant was detected in 57.6% (solid in 42.4%); the disease remained
confined to the groove/duodenum (pure form) in 45.4%. Medial duodenal wall thickening
with increased enhancement was seen in 87.87 and 81.81%, respectively, and duodenal/paraduodenal
cysts were seen in 78.78%. Pancreatic calcifications and biliary stricture were seen
27.3% patients. Peripancreatic arteries were neither infiltrated nor encased. Conclusion: PP has a discrete predilection for middle-aged men with history of longstanding alcohol
abuse and/or smoking. Distinguishing imaging findings include thickening of the pancreatic
side of duodenum exhibiting increased enhancement with intramural/paraduodenal cysts.
This may be accompanied by plate-like scar tissue in the groove region, which may
simulate groove pancreatic carcinoma. However, as opposed to carcinoma, the peripancreatic
arteries are neither infiltrated nor encased, rather are medially displaced.
Keywords
Chronic pancreatitis - computed tomography - magnetic resonance imaging - pancreatitis