Diagnosing Pancreatic Divisum
Pancreatic divisum is a congenital defect that people are born with. It is a malformation where parts of the pancreas do not join together. It typically doesn’t cause health problems. In some people, it may cause abdominal pain.
Pancreatic divisum is usually diagnosed through a combination of examinations, screening tests, and procedures. Methods used to diagnose pancreatic divisum include:
- Clinical evaluation: A healthcare provider will conduct a physical examination and discuss any symptoms. They will also review your medical and family history to gather important information.
- Blood tests: Blood tests may be conducted to check liver function and look for tumor markers associated with pancreatic conditions.
- Endoscopic Ultrasound: This test uses an endoscope with a small ultrasound device. The endoscope is inserted through the mouth and enable the healthcare professional to create images of the pancreas and other nearby organs.
- Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography (MRCP): MRCP is a non-invasive imaging test that uses a powerful magnetic field and radio waves to produce detailed images of the pancreas and pancreatic ducts. It can identify if there are two separate pancreatic ducts instead of one fused duct, which is characteristic of Pancreatic Divisum.
- Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP): ERCP is a procedure that involves passing a flexible tube with a tiny camera on the end through the mouth into the stomach and small intestine. A special dye is injected to make the pancreas visible on X-rays. This procedure can also help identify the presence of two separate ducts.
These examinations and procedures are typically performed by gastroenterologists or radiologists who specialize in diagnosing and treating pancreatic conditions.
The results from these examinations and tests can confirm the diagnosis of pancreatic divisum or rule out other causes of symptoms. This information is essential for developing an appropriate treatment plan, if needed, for pancreatic divisum.