BACKGROUND: A common pancreaticobiliary channel is a very rare condition, but its diagnosis is of paramount importance since it can lead to complications that can be prevented. OBJECTIVE: To illustrate the sonographic diagnosis of a common pancreaticobiliary channel in children referred for abdominal pain or jaundice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four children were diagnosed by ultrasonography and the diagnosis was subsequently confirmed by MRI. RESULTS: Sonography demonstrated a pancreaticobiliary junction located in the pancreatic head above the sphincter of Oddi. This rare congenital anomaly was confirmed in all patients by MRI. CONCLUSION: A common pancreaticobiliary channel can be diagnosed by sonography. Nevertheless, our experience is limited, and although sonography can provide an alert and can assist management, it cannot yet replace MRI.
BACKGROUND: A common pancreaticobiliary channel is a very rare condition, but its diagnosis is of paramount importance since it can lead to complications that can be prevented. OBJECTIVE: To illustrate the sonographic diagnosis of a common pancreaticobiliary channel in children referred for abdominal pain or jaundice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four children were diagnosed by ultrasonography and the diagnosis was subsequently confirmed by MRI. RESULTS: Sonography demonstrated a pancreaticobiliary junction located in the pancreatic head above the sphincter of Oddi. This rare congenital anomaly was confirmed in all patients by MRI. CONCLUSION: A common pancreaticobiliary channel can be diagnosed by sonography. Nevertheless, our experience is limited, and although sonography can provide an alert and can assist management, it cannot yet replace MRI.
Authors: H K Song; M H Kim; S J Myung; S K Lee; H J Kim; K S Yoo; D W Seo; H J Lee; B C Lim; Y I Min Journal: Korean J Intern Med Date: 1999-07 Impact factor: 2.884