Radiology, Vol 120, 49-52, Copyright © 1976 by Radiological Society of North America
Anomalous biliary and pancreatic duct insertion into duodenal diverticula
JA Nelson and HJ Burhenne
Over a period of three years, anomalous insertion of the common bile duct
and pancreatic duct into a duodenal diverticulum was observed in roughly 3%
of all carefully performed T-tube cholangiograms. This would indicate that
the lesion is relatively common and should be sought carefully. In this
series, the association between the anomalous ductal insertion and biliary
tract disease cannot be established, since the method of patient selection
obviates any epidemiologic consideration. Of greatest significance is the
fact that the anomaly can occur with several anatomic variations. Because
of the multiple possible variations, careful radiographic evaluations of
the biliary and pancreatic ductal system should be performed before any
definitive surgery is directed toward a duodenal diverticulum.
