Learning objectives
We propose to review the anatomy of the duodenum-pancreatic (DP) groove,
as well as to present the keys in the differential diagnosis of the diseases that can originate in this groove or affect it by extension from the anatomical structures that delimit it.
Background
The DP groove is a space delimited medially by the head of the pancreas and laterally by the second duodenal portion.
Its superior border is the duodenal bulb,
its anterior border is the first portion of the duodenum and sometimes the gastric antrum and the posterior border is the third duodenal portion and the inferior vena cava,
considering the segment intrapancreatic of the common bile duct as part of this limit.
Also in this location there are small lymph nodes that are not usually visualized...
Findings and procedure details
Among the diseases that originate in the pancreas,
two entities stand out because they are not easy to differentiate using imaging techniques: pancreatitis of the groove and pancreatic neoplasms,
among which are the ductal adenocarcinoma because of its greater frequency and in more isolated cases the neuroendocrine tumor (gastrinoma).
Groove pancreatitis is a rare type of chronic pancreatitis that can occur in its segmental form in which there is involvement of the groove and the head of the pancreas or in its pure form in...
Conclusion
The duodenopancreatic groove,
due to its location and the anatomical structures that surround it,
can be affected by a multitude of pathologies,
some of which represent a real challenge in the differential diagnosis by means of imaging techniques.
Attempting to clarify the origin of the pathology is of great importance to decide the clinical management and the need or not of surgical treatment.
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