Reversed Z-shaped anomaly of main pancreatic duct as a cause of recurrent acute pancreatitis: A review

Abstract

Idiopathic pancreatitis comprises of around 20% cases of acute pancreatitis. We report a case with reversed Z-type main pancreatic duct, a very rare and unusual anomaly of the main pancreatic duct as a cause for idiopathic acute pancreatitis. A review of literature showed it is one of the significant causes for idiopathic recurrent acute pancreatitis. Meandering main pancreatic duct (MMPD) comprises loop type and reversed Z-type main pancreatic ducts. These are found more frequently in idiopathic recurrent acute pancreatitis than in the community.