Groove pancreatitis: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Authors

  • Ana Cavalo Ferreira
  • Miguel Ramalho
  • Vasco Herédia
  • Rafael Campos
  • Perdro Marques

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3941/jrcr.v4i11.588

Keywords:

Groove pancreatitis, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, MRI, Chronic pancreatitis

Abstract

Groove pancreatitis is a rare form of segmental chronic pancreatitis. It involves the anatomic space between the head of the pancreas, the duodenum and the common bile duct. It was first described in the early 1970s, but it remains largely unfamiliar to most physicians. Radiological diagnosis can be challenging, as it is often difficult to differentiate it from other entities. The differential diagnosis from pancreatic head carcinoma may be difficult and recognition of subtle differences between these two entities is extremely important as the management differs significantly. Groove pancreatitis can be managed by conservative medical treatment, and surgery is reserved only for patients with persistent and severe clinical symptoms. We present a case of a 27 year-old male with groove pancreatitis and discuss the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) appearance of this entity as well as the differential diagnosis.

Author Biographies

Ana Cavalo Ferreira

Department of Radiology

Miguel Ramalho

Department of Radiology

Vasco Herédia

Department of Radiology

Rafael Campos

Department of Radiology

Perdro Marques

Department of Gastrenterology

Published

2010-11-04

Issue

Section

Gastrointestinal Radiology