An annular pancreas is a ring of pancreatic tissue that encircles the duodenum (the first part of the small intestine). The normal position of the pancreas is next to, but not surrounding the duodenum.
Annular pancreas is problem present at birth (congenital defect). Symptoms occur when the ring of pancreas squeezes and narrows the small intestine so that food cannot pass easily or at all.
Newborns may have symptoms of complete blockage of the intestine. However, up to one half of people with this condition do not have symptoms until adulthood. There are also cases that are not detected because the symptoms are mild.
Conditions that may be associated with annular pancreas include:
Newborns may not feed well. They may spit up more than normal, not drink enough breast milk or formula, and cry.
Adult symptoms may include:
Treatment most often involves surgery to bypass the blocked part of the duodenum.
Ramakrishnan Parthasarathi practices in Lucknow, India. Parthasarathi is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Annular Pancreas. They are also highly rated in 9 other conditions, according to our data. Their top areas of expertise are Annular Pancreas, Pancreatic Pseudocyst, Bile Duct Cysts, Gastrectomy, and Gallbladder Removal.
Prabhleen Chahal is a Gastroenterologist in Cleveland, Ohio. Chahal has been practicing medicine for over 25 years and is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Annular Pancreas. She is also highly rated in 26 other conditions, according to our data. Her top areas of expertise are Hereditary Pancreatitis, Acute Pancreatitis, Annular Pancreas, Endoscopy, and Gastric Bypass. Chahal is currently accepting new patients.
Filippo Antonini practices in Fermo, Italy. Antonini is rated as a Distinguished expert by MediFind in the treatment of Annular Pancreas. They are also highly rated in 6 other conditions, according to our data. Their top areas of expertise are Annular Pancreas, Pancreatic Cancer, Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency, Endoscopy, and Tissue Biopsy.
The outcome is most often good with surgery. Adults with an annular pancreas are at increased risk for pancreatic or biliary tract cancer.
Complications may include:
Contact your health care provider if you or your child has any symptoms of annular pancreas.
Published Date: October 26, 2021
Published By: Michael M. Phillips, MD, Emeritus Professor of Medicine, The George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, DC. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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Mehta MS, Barth BA, Husain SZ. Anatomy, histology, embryology, and developmental anomalies of the pancreas. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease: Pathophysiology/Diagnosis/Management. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 55.
Semrin MG. Anatomy, histology, and developmental anomalies of the stomach and duodenum. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease: Pathophysiology/Diagnosis/Management. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 49.