Heterotopic Pancreas: A Rare Cause if Ileo-Ileal Intussusception

Abstract

BackgroundHeterotopic pancreas is a rare developmental anomaly defined as pancreatic tissue found on ectopic sites without contiguity with the main pancreas. An isolated heterotopic pancreas as a cause of bowel intussusception is extremely rare.Case ReportA case of 47-year old male with multiple episodes of melena, constipation and abdominal pain for one year duration is presented. CT eneterography revealed a large circumferential lesion involving the terminal ileum that acted as a leading point to an ileo-ileal intussusception. The resection of the lesion and related bowel segment was carried out. The histopathological examination confirmed the excised lesion as a heterotopic pancreatic tissue.ConclusionsThough a rare entity, heterotopic pancreas should be considered in the differential diagnosis of bowel intussusception.

Heterotopic Pancreas as a Leading Point of Intussusception: A Case Report

“…Heterotopic pancreas (HP) also known as ectopic, aberrant accessory pancreas (1) is defined as the presence of pancreatic tissue outside its usual or habitual location lacking anatomical or vascular continuity to the main pancreas (1-5). …”

“…The incidence of ectopic pancreas varies between 0.5-3.7% which can be found at any position in the abdominal cavity (1), however, it is more common in the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract including stomach, duodenum and jejunum (2, 3). The ileal lesions are much less common (4).…”

“…Despite rather common occurrence of HP, they are generally asymptomatic and found incidentally (1). They may become clinically symptomatic when are complicated by inflammation, bleeding, obstruction or malignant transformation (1, 5).…”

“…They may become clinically symptomatic when are complicated by inflammation, bleeding, obstruction or malignant transformation (1, 5). …”

“…They may stand as a leading point for intussusception very rarely (1). The definite diagnosis depends on the histopathologic examination (1).…”