Anomalous pancreaticobiliary junction (APBJ) with the drainage of the uncinate process into the minor papilla: demonstration by MRI

Abstract

We report a case of a 30-year-old patient with anomalous pancreaticobiliary junction (APBJ) that has not been described before. The patient had a clinical history of recurrent attacks of pancreatitis cholangitis and cholecystitis that were confirmed by abnormal laboratory values. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography revealed a 20 mm long junction of choledoc and pancreatic duct and uncinate process draining into the minor papilla. On MR cholangiopancreatography strictures at the junction of hepatic duct increased gallbladder wall thickness and intraductal stone in the pancreatic duct were demonstrated as complementary findings. Other MRI findings included decreased signal intensity of the pancreas consistent with fibrosis from past pancreatitis attacks and atrophy of the left liver lobe.