Abstract Background This presentation covers the case of Mr. D, a 38-year-old male who presented with upper abdominal pain and vomiting, initially treated as gastritis but later developing more complex symptoms. This case highlights the diagnostic challenges and management of ectopic pancreatitis, a rare condition characterized by pancreatic tissue located outside its usual anatomical position.Mr. D, a personal trainer with a history of asthma and Meckel's diverticulum excision, experienced recurring epigastric pain, bloating, and early satiety. His pain was particularly related to eating, fasting and often disrupted his sleep. Despite treatment with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), his symptoms persisted, prompting further investigation Method Initial investigations including ultrasound, chest X-ray, and ECG showed no significant abnormalities. However, subsequent gastroscopy and CT scans suggested a gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST), leading to referral for endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and biopsy. The findings indicated a highly vascular, mixed echogenic lesion in the submucosa, likely a GIST, but initial biopsies were inconclusive Results Following conservative treatment, Mr. D's inflammation significantly reduced, though he experienced recurrent pain necessitating surgical intervention. Diagnostic laparoscopy and gastroscopy revealed extensive adhesions and an inflammatory mass. The patient underwent a pyloric-preserving sleeve gastrectomy, with histology confirming pancreatic heterotopia with inflammation and cystic degeneration. Post-operatively, Mr. D initially struggled with dietary intake but improved over time, tolerating a solid diet by the last follow-up. Conclusion This case underscores the complexity of diagnosing and managing rare conditions like ectopic pancreatitis. It highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary approach and the potential need for surgical intervention when conservative management fails. The presentation aims to provide valuable insights into the diagnostic process, the role of MDT discussions, and the therapeutic challenges associated with ectopic pancreatitis.
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