Pancreatic Disorders & Therapy
Open Access

Pancreas Divisum: Symptoms, Diagnosed and Its Treatment

Sahim Nawaz^{* *}Correspondence: Sahim Nawaz, Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina, Email:

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Description

Pancreas divisum is caused by a structural defect in the pancreas, an organ near the stomach that aids digestion and regulates blood sugar. Most people with this do not have any symptoms. Since it does not show any symptoms, it is very difficult to diagnose this condition. The pancreas begins with two ducts: The ventral duct and the dorsal duct. They will usually merge before birth to form a single main pancreatic duct. When they don't merge, pancreatic divisum develops. As a result, the central pancreatic duct drains through a smaller opening. The duct formation irregularity may lead to health problems later in life, such as acute pancreatitis. It is a genetic disorder. It is present at birth in approximately 10%of people. It is uncommon for pancreas divisum to cause symptoms, and even more uncommon for diagnosis or treatment to be required. Although pancreas divisum rarely causes complications, it can occasionally result in acute pancreatitis. If not treated properly, acute pancreatitis can lead to kidney failure, which can result in death. Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas that occurs when the digestive enzymes in the pancreas are accidentally activated. It can manifest as a short, intense, acute episode or as a long, mild, drawn-out episode. Milder cases of pancreatitis can be treated with dietary changes, antibiotics and or pain medication, and other non-invasive treatments. Surgery and other invasive medical procedures may be required in severe cases.

Symptoms of Pancreas divisum

Again, symptoms are extremely uncommon. However, if you have symptoms, they may include:

• Abdominal pain

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Acute pancreatitis

• Chronic pancreatitis

Diagnosis of Pancreas divisum

• Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography (MRCP): This is a type of MRI test that takes pictures of pancreas using a magnetic field and radio waves. It contains no ionising radiation. This is the most common type of pancreas divisum testing.

• Computed Tomography (CT scan): This is a test that uses Xrays and computers to create images of bones, muscles, fat, organs, and blood vessels. They are more detailed than regular X-rays.

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Magnetic and radio fields are used in this testing technique to create images of organs and tissues. Patient typically lie in large tubular magnet machines during these tests. These machines use radio waves to create cross-sectional images of body after realigning the water molecules in the body.

Treatment for Pancreas divisum

Pancreas divisum does not require treatment unless you have symptoms. However, if you have symptoms, you can talk to your doctor about different treatment options. Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with minor papilla sphincterotomy is the most common treatment. An endoscope is used during an ERCP to assist the doctor in inserting a stent into a pancreatic duct called the minor papilla. However, this procedure is extremely dangerous and can frequently result in pancreatitis, kidney failure, and death. Doctors may recommend the Puestow or Frey's procedure instead. An enlarged pancreatic duct is drained during these procedures.

Prevention of Pancreas divisum

• The best way to keep pancreas divisum from affecting the health is to live a healthy lifestyle. If the patient experience any of the symptoms listed above, make an appointment with the doctor. Make sure the doctor performs the necessary tests and the patient must adhere to the treatment plan that the doctor has prescribed.

• Symptomatic pancreas divisum is the only type of pancreas divisum that can cause health problems such as kidney failure. Again, most people will never feel or know they have pancreas divisum, and their health will not suffer as a result.

Conclusion

Acute or chronic pancreatitis can be caused by the entire pancreas divisum. In some people with complete or incomplete pancreas divisum, the presence of another factor, such as alcohol abuse, may be required for chronic pancreatitis to develop. Dorsal pancreatic duct obstruction may be a factor that promotes oncogenesis in complete pancreas divisum. Variation can occur within the body in the same way that it occurs externally in humans. Pancreas divisum is one such example, and it is a common anatomical variation. Most people have no symptoms of pancreas divisum and go about their lives unaware of the condition. Others believe that pancreas divisum is the cause of pancreatitis and pancreatic disease.