ABERRANT BILIOPANCREATIC DUCT - A PROBABLE CAUSE OF ACUTE-PANCREATITIS

Abnormal biliopancreatic ducts are very uncommon in adults with the ex ception of those associated with abnormalities of either the pancreati c or the bile ducts. The case presented herein is unique in that a bil iopancreatic connection occurred proximal to the papilla of Vater and the patient was symptomatic because of the aberrant connection. The su rgical therapy consisted of cholecystectomy and ligation of the aberra nt duct, with complete relief of severe, debilitating symptoms. This i nteresting clinical observation is discussed in the light of Opie's th eory of biliary reflux into the pancreatic duct as a pathogenetic mech anism for acute pancreatitis.