Duodenal duplication revealed by acute pancreatitis. A case report

BACKGROUND: Duodenum duplications are uncommon congenital anomalies. Most symptomatic cases are diagnosed in childhood and usually present with obstructive or bleeding symptoms. Acute pancreatitis is rarely attributed to these cysts. AIM: To report a new case of duodenum duplication revealed by acute pancreatitis. CASE REPORT: This 3 year old child presented with an acute pancreatitis. Abdominal ultrasonography and Computer tomography were performed showing a cystic mass depending of the 2nd duodenum. Diagnosis of duodenal duplication is made in laparotomy. A surgical resection of the duplication was performed respecting the papilla. Microscopic examination of the specimen confirmed the duodenal duplication. The patient was asymptomatic after the intervention. CONCLUSION: Duodenum duplications are uncommon congenital anomalies. Acute pancreatitis might be revealing presentation.