Groove pancreatitis: a case series and review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: Groove pancreatitis is a form of chronic pancreatitis affecting the space surrounded by the pancreatic head, duodenum and common bile duct. The clinical findings can conflict with pancreatic cancer causing diagnostic dilemma preoperatively. CASE SERIES: We describe two patients with a history of alcohol excess, who presented with a few months history of upper abdominal pain associated with weight loss and vomiting. Endoscopic and radiological investigations related duodenal narrowing, biliary dilatation and multiple pseudocysts around the head of the pancreas and duodenum. A Whipple's pancreaticoduodenectomy was carried out in both patients. Histopathology report demonstrated cystic areas in both medial and lateral walls of the duodenum microscopically consistent with groove pancreatitis.
CONCLUSION: The diagnosis of groove pancreatitis should be considered in patients with duodenal stenosis and cystic lesions around the head of the pancreas associated with history of alcohol excess. Differentiation from pancreatic cancer is difficult preoperatively.