Groove Pancreatitis: Four Cases from a Single Center and Brief Review of the Literature

Abstract

Groove pancreatitis is a rare form of chronic pancreatitis that affects the groove anatomical area between the head of the pancreas, duodenum, and common bile duct. We provide a summary of the clinical findings of 4 groove pancreatitis cases diagnosed at a tertiary academic medical center over a 5-year period. A detailed review of the current literature surrounding this clinical entity is also provided. Although rare, groove pancreatitis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with pancreatic head mass lesions, as appropriate diagnosis can help avoid unnecessary surgical procedures.

Groove pancreatitis: A series of 5 cases

“…Surgical procedures comprise pancreatoduodenectomy (Whipple procedure) or pylorus-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy. 7 Groove pancreatitis is often treated as chronic pancreatitis without recognition of its features, as seen in one of our patients. We present this series of five cases to draw attention to this relatively uncommon condition, which can be more easily diagnosed with advances in radiological imaging.…”

Groove Pancreatitis: A Description of Four Cases and Literature Review

“…Knowledge of the clinical and pathological features of groove pancreatitis is important because it allows a preoperative diagnosis that in most cases correctly differentiates it from pancreatic and periampullary neoplasms and may prevent unnecessary surgical resection [6] Etiology of GP is heterogeneous with a variety of factors playing a role in its development, including: anatomic disruption or functional obstruction of the minor papilla, disruption of the pancreatic juice flow, pancreatic heterotopia in the duodenum, pancreas divisum, chronic alcohol consumption and secondary modifications of local anatomy due to gastrectomy, gastroduodenal ulcer and biliary disease [7][8][9].…”

Groove Pancreatitis: A Case Report

“…Most patients who present Groove pancreatitis are males, in the ages between 40-50 years old, which predisposing factors are still unknown. It is more prevalent in those who have chronic alcoholic ingestion background [1][2][3]. Other associated factors described by Sánchez-Bueno et al are: smoking, peptic ulcer and previous gastric surgical resections [2].…”