The Role of Cross-Sectional Imaging in the Diagnosis of Agenesis of the Dorsal Pancreas: A Case Series

Abstract

Background Agenesis of the dorsal pancreas is a rare entity and is caused due to the defective embryological development of the pancreas. The clinical manifestations may range from diabetes mellitus, pancreatitis, and abdominal pain to no symptoms at all. We here present a case series of 10 cases with complete or partial agenesis of the dorsal pancreas. Objectives To correlate the clinical symptoms in the patients with the dorsal agenesis of the pancreas, to study any biochemical abnormality present with the dorsal agenesis of the pancreas, and to look for other coexistent finding in the patients. Results We observed that out of 10 patients, six were males and four were females. Four had symptoms related to the pancreas and six were discovered incidentally. Diabetes mellitus was present in five patients, seven patients had pain in the abdomen, and jaundice was seen in three patients. Out of 10 patients, four had complete agenesis and six had partial agenesis of the dorsal pancreas. Conclusions We conclude that the diagnosis of this rare entity and establishing its association with clinical conditions like diabetes mellitus and non-specific abdomen pain with the aid of cross-sectional imaging helps in the better evaluation and management of the patients.