An unusual case of steatorrhea

Abstract

Partial agenesis of the pancreas is a rare developmental anomaly of the pancreas which can lead to exocrine and endocrine insufficiency. We report a 61-year-old male patient with steatorrhea who was found to have complete agenesis of the dorsal pancreas. He presented with a history of loose stools for 5 years, and the stools were at times oily in nature without mucus or blood. His clinical examination was unremarkable. Seventy-two hour stool fat was increased (21.4 g, normal200), and computed tomography of the abdomen revealed a normal head and uncinate process of the pancreas, abscence of body and tail of pancreas associated with a nondilated duct system. He was put on pancreatic enzyme supplements and he responded to the treatment, and on follow-up after 6 months, his stool frequency had declined and his fecal elastase had improved.

Keywords

• agenesis of pancreas
• partial agenesis of pancreas
• steatorrhea