Congenital Abnormalities

Question 1

Embryology of the pancreas

Answer 1

• formed from the fusion of dorsal & ventral outpouchings of the foregut
• dorsal primordium: body, tail, sup/ant aspects of head & accessory duct of Santorini
• ventral primordium: pos/inf aspects of head & main pancreatic duct draining into the papilla of Vater

Question 2

Congenital abnormalities of the pancreas

Answer 2

1. Agenesis
2. Annular pancreas
3. Ectopic pancreas
4. Pancreas divisum

Question 3

Features of agenesis of the pancreas

Answer 3

• homozygous germline mutations involving PDX1 gene

- incompatible with life

Question 4

Features of annular pancreas

Answer 4

• band-like ring encircling 2nd part of duodenum

Question 5

Features of ectopic pancreas

Answer 5

• aberrantly situated pancreatic tissue

- stomach, duodenum, jejunum, Meckel diverticulum, ileum

Question 6

Features of pancreas divisum

Answer 6

• failure of fusion of the fetal duct systems of the dorsal & ventral pancreatic primordia
• complications: inadequate drainage - increased susceptibility to pancreatitis