Abstract
The proximal part of the main duct of the dorsal pancreatic bud partially regresses to form the accessory pancreatic duct (APD). APDs were divided into the long type and short type, which showed functionally and embryologically different findings. The patency of the APD determined by dye-injection endoscopic retrograde pancreatography was 43%, and may depend on the duct caliber, course, and terminal shape of APD. The patency of APD in patients with acute pancreatitis was significantly lower. A patent APD may prevent acute pancreatitis as a safety valve by reducing pressure in the main pancreatic duct. As the majority of the exocrine flow is routed through the minor duodenal papilla in pancreas divisum, interrelationships between the poor function of the minor papilla and the increased flow of pancreatic juice caused by alcohol or diet may increase the dorsal pancreatic duct pressure and lead to the development of pancreatitis. Endoscopic therapy is recommended for recurrent pancreatitis associated with pancreas divisum.
