Various congenital anomalies and anatomic variants of the pancreas: A pictorial review

Abstract

Congenital anomalies and anatomic variants of the pancreas are various and not uncommon. Recent advances in imaging modalities and their increasing accessibility have led increased opportunity to detect anomalies and variants of the pancreas. It is important to recognize pancreatic anomalies because, if they cause symptoms, they can be fixed. In addition, the presence of anatomic variants can affect surgical or interventional planning, and they can also cause unexpected post-operative complications. In this essay, we review the embryogenesis of the pancreas and describe imaging findings of various congenital anomalies and anatomic variants in the pancreas.

Keywords

• Pancreas
• Congenital abnormalities
• Anatomic variation
• Multidetector computed tomography
• Magnetic resonance imaging