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Digestive system
Digestive system
Endocrine glands
Endocrine glands
Annular pancreas
Annular pancreas

Annular pancreas
Definition:
An annular pancreas is a ring or collar of pancreatic tissue that abnormally encircles the duodenum (the part of the small intestine that connects to stomach).

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Annular pancreas is thought to be caused by a malformation during the development of the pancreas, before birth. This condition may result in a narrowing of the duodenum due to constriction by the ring of pancreas.

Complete obstruction of the duodenum is often seen in newborns with this condition. However, half of the cases occur in adults. There are probably many cases that go undetected due to mild symptoms.

There is an increased incidence of peptic ulcer associated with this condition. Annular pancreas affects approximately 1 in 7,000 people.
Symptoms:
Signs and tests:

Signs that may indicate annular pancreas include the following:

Tests include:
Treatment:

Surgical bypass of the obstructing segment of the duodenum is the usual treatment for this disorder.
Expectations (prognosis):

There is a good prognosis with surgery.
Complications:
Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you or your child develop any symptoms of annular pancreas.
Review Date: 1/12/2003
Reviewed By: Andrew J. Muir, M.D., M.H.S., Division of Gastroenterology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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