Abstract:
Annular pancreas is a rare congenital anomaly. It consists of a ring of pancreatic tissue partially or completely encircling the descending part of the duodenum. Previously the condition was detected either during surgery or autopsy. With the improvements achieved in imaging techniques the diagnosis of annular pancreas in adults increased in frequency.
Ductal pattern of the ring tissue is important because of its clinical implications. The exact incidence of this congenital anomaly can not be calculated because many cases may remain asymptomatic. Despite the congenital nature of the disease, the clinical manifestations may occur at any age.
Keywords: annular pancreas, pancreatic bud, pancreatic duct, duodenum.