Pancreas divisum

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Digestive system

Pancreas divisum

Definition:

Pancreas divisum is a congenital (present from birth) defect in which parts of the pancreas to fail to fuse together.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

In this condition, the ducts of the pancreas are affected. In many cases this defect goes undetected. The cause of the defect is unknown. However, if the pancreatic ducts become obstructed, symptoms similar to pancreatitis may develop. Pancreas divisum affects about 5% of the general population.

Review Date: 8/2/2005
Reviewed By: Courtney W. Houchen, M.D., Division of Gastroenterology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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