An annular pancreas is a very rare congenital disease, in which a layer of pancreatic tissue encircles the duodenum (the first section of the small intestine). This ring could be either finished or not. By constricting the duodenum, it may reduce or obstruct food passageway causing digestive discomfort. Imaging tests including CT, MRI or contrast X-rays are usually used to make a diagnosis that can reveal a "two-bubble" sign.
Most people with annular pancreas do not show any symptoms particularly when the ring is loose. The symptoms are not very frequent, and when they come on they are usually the results of partial obstruction or irritation of the duodenum:
An annular pancreas arises during early fetal development when the pancreatic buds fail to rotate and fuse normally around the duodenum. Contributing factors may include:
We also carry out diagnosis and management of annular pancreas using a patient-centered nature at GastroDoxs located in Cypress. We provide our qualified staff with superior imaging, minimally invasive surgery, and tailored treatment options to ease the symptoms and avoid complications. You are willing to manage your digestively? Make your appointment and receive compassionate care among yourself.
We've successfully treated more than 1K patients, helping individuals improve their digestive health and overall well-being through expert, personalized care.
With over 20 years of experience, GastroDoxs has been a trusted provider of gastroenterology care, focusing on delivering the best outcomes for patients
Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.
The annular pancreas is a birth defect, where a pancreatic ring tissue surrounds the duodenum. It may result in constriction or blockage compared to a duodenum in a normal pancreas.
Diagnosis is usually done by imaging-length studies like a CT scan, MRI, or endoscopic ultrasound to examine the pancreatic ring and determine the duodenal constriction.
Majority of the cases of annular pancreas are harmless. Though the general risks of malignancy are minimal, the monitoring and follow-ups should frequently be carried out in order to notice any suspicious changes at an early stage.
A duodenal obstruction represents an obstruction of the first section of the small intestine. The duodenum in annular pancreas can be compressed by the pancreatic ring and the food cannot pass through it.
Yes. Mild cases tend to respond to changes in diet, pancreatic enzyme supplements, and endoscopic surgery to increase the constricted part.
The surgical treatment may entail bypassing surgery (e.g., gastrojejunostomy) to avoid passing the food across the ring or simply cutting away or excising the ringed pancreatic tissue to decongest.
Majority of patients are relieved in 1–2 weeks, but recovery time varies depending on the nature of the procedure and the patient’s overall health.
Yes. When the pancreatic ring strangles the bile duct, it may lead to jaundice (yellowing of the skin/eyes) or bile duct infections that should be addressed immediately.
Yes. A gastroenterologist or pancreatic specialist is necessary to accurately diagnose, plan treatment, and coordinate care if intervention is needed.
Contact GastroDoxs, Cypress. Our local department has trained experts who specialize in the diagnosis of rare pancreatic conditions and treatment, thus providing close-to-home care.
