Annular Pancreas Overview
Learn About Annular Pancreas
An annular pancreas is a ring of pancreatic tissue that encircles the duodenum (the first part of the small intestine). The normal position of the pancreas is next to, but not surrounding the duodenum.
Annular pancreas is problem present at birth (congenital defect). Symptoms occur when the ring of pancreas squeezes and narrows the small intestine so that food cannot pass easily or at all.
Newborns may have symptoms of complete blockage of the intestine. However, up to one half of people with this condition do not have symptoms until adulthood. There are also cases that are not detected because the symptoms are mild.
Conditions that may be associated with annular pancreas include:
- Down syndrome
- Excess amniotic fluid during pregnancy (polyhydramnios)
- Other congenital gastrointestinal problems
- Pancreatitis
Newborns may not feed well. They may spit up more than normal, not drink enough breast milk or formula, and cry.
Adult symptoms may include:
- Abdominal pain
- Fullness after eating
- Nausea or vomiting
Treatment most often involves surgery to bypass the blocked part of the duodenum.
University Medical Diagnostic Associates Inc
Lee Mchenry is a Gastroenterologist in Carmel, Indiana. Dr. Mchenry and is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Annular Pancreas. His top areas of expertise are Chronic Pancreatitis, Pancreas Divisum, Childhood Pancreatitis, Endoscopy, and Lithotripsy.
University Medical Diagnostic Associates Inc
Mark Gromski is a Gastroenterologist in Indianapolis, Indiana. Dr. Gromski has been practicing medicine for over 14 years and is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Annular Pancreas. His top areas of expertise are Hereditary Pancreatitis, Chronic Pancreatitis, Sclerosing Cholangitis, Endoscopy, and Lithotripsy.
Glen Lehman is a Gastroenterologist in Indianapolis, Indiana. Dr. Lehman and is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Annular Pancreas. His top areas of expertise are Biliary Dyskinesia, Pancreas Divisum, Sphincter of Oddi Dysfunction, Endoscopy, and Lithotripsy. Dr. Lehman is currently accepting new patients.
The outcome is most often good with surgery. Adults with an annular pancreas are at increased risk for pancreatic or biliary tract cancer.
Complications may include:
- Obstructive jaundice
- Pancreatic cancer
- Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
- Peptic ulcer
- Perforation (tearing a hole) of the intestine due to obstruction
- Peritonitis
Contact your health care provider if you or your child has any symptoms of annular pancreas.
Published Date: December 31, 2023
Published By: Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Aria - Jefferson Health Torresdale, Jefferson Digestive Diseases Network, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Maqbool A, Bales C, Liacouras CA. Intestinal atresia, stenosis, and malrotation. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, Shah SS, Tasker RC, Wilson KM, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 356.
Mehta MS, Barth BA, Husain SZ. Anatomy, histology, embryology, and developmental anomalies of the pancreas. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease: Pathophysiology/Diagnosis/Management. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 55.
Semrin MG. Anatomy, histology, and developmental anomalies of the stomach and duodenum. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease: Pathophysiology/Diagnosis/Management. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 49.