A missing piece of pancreas: A rare case report of dorsal pancreatic agenesis presenting as acute pancreatitis

Abstract

There are various congenital anomalies of the pancreas, among which dorsal pancreatic agenesis is a very rare entity <120 cases reported till now. It is due to absent dorsal bud derivatives. It can be asymptomatic or can present as abdominal pain, pancreatitis, and hyperglycemia. A 42-year-old gentleman presented with sudden onset abdominal pain and, on evaluation, was diagnosed to have acute pancreatitis. Incidentally noted to have dorsal pancreatic agenesis, a congenital anomaly which presented as acute pancreatitis. He was managed with hydration, multimodal analgesia, and nutrition. Complications associated with it must be kept in mind, such as pancreatitis and diabetes/hyperglycemia secondary to insulin deficiency. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment of complications of dorsal pancreatic agenesis is the key.