Review the anatomy of the pancreaticoduodenal groove. Describe and illustrate the range of pathological conditions that can arise in the pancreaticoduodenal groove and their distinguishing features.

The pancreaticoduodenal groove (PG) is an anatomical potential space-delimited between the medial duodenal wall and the head of the pancreas.1-4 Therefore, this region can contain a broad spectrum of pathologies relating to the surrounding structures, such as the pancreas, duodenum, common bile duct, major and minor papilla, and small lymph nodes.1-5 [Fig 1]

Due to the complex anatomy of the pancreatic groove, it is hard to establish the lesions organ of origin because anatomical structures are located closely and overlap in clinical presentation and imaging features.1,2,4 Figure 2 shows some examples of malignant and benign lesions of this region. [Fig 2] Imaging modalities as Computed Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) may help to distinguish them as the combination of certain clinical and imaging features may suggest a specific diagnosis, preventing the unnecessary burden...

To ensure proper patient management, radiologists should be aware of the variability of conditions that may arise from the pancreaticoduodenal groove, and their particular features that may narrow the differential diagnosis.

B. Gaspar: Nothing to disclose J. F. P. Sardinha: Nothing to disclose G. Saldanha: Nothing to disclose J. F. Castro Pereira: Nothing to disclose C. S. P. N. Lourenco: Nothing to disclose

Nikolaidis P, Hammond NA, Day K, et al. Imaging features of benign and malignant ampullary and periampullary lesions. Radiographics. 2014;34(3):624-641. doi:10.1148/rg.343125191 Sunnapwar A, Nagar A, Katre R, Khanna L, Sayana HP. Erratum: Imaging of Ampullary and Periampullary Conditions. J Gastrointest Abdom Radiol. Published online 2021. doi:10.1055/s-0041-1731096 Raman SP, Salaria SN, Hruban RH, Fishman EK. Groove pancreatitis: Spectrum of imaging findings and radiology-pathology correlation. Am J Roentgenol. 2013;201(1):29-39. doi:10.2214/AJR.12.9956 Yu J, Fulcher AS, Turner MA, Halvorsen RA. Normal anatomy and disease processes of the pancreatoduodenal groove:...