Recurrent acute pancreatitis due to a santorinicele in a young patient

Khan SA, Chawla T, Azami R
Correspondence: Dr Tabish Chawla, tabish.chawla@aku.edu

ABSTRACT
A cystic dilatation of the terminal portion of the minor pancreatic duct (duct of Santorini) is referred to as a santorinicele. It is usually associated with pancreas divisum and has been suggested to be a cause of relative stenosis of the minor papilla, often leading to recurrent pancreatitis. While this anomaly has been reported in the paediatric population, it is more commonly found in the elderly. We present a 27-year-old woman with recurrent acute pancreatitis attributed to a santorinicele with a dorsal duct-exclusive pancreatic drainage.

Keywords: cystic dilatation of dorsal pancreatic duct, minor pancreatic duct, pancreas divisum, recurrent acute pancreatitis, santorinicele
Singapore Med J 2009; 50(5): e163-e165