Groove pancreatitis: A rare case series

Abstract

Groove pancreatitis (GP) is a rare type of segmental chronic pancreatitis that affects the anatomical area between the pancreatic head, the duodenum, and the common bile duct, called - “the groove area”. It remains largely an unfamiliar entity to most physicians and is often misdiagnosed as pancreatic malignancy or an autoimmune pancreatitis. We report three cases diagnosed as GP and in our department and their management. The first and second patient had recurrent episodes of abdomen pain and vomiting, while the other one was asymptomatic with steatorrhoea. The second and third patients had history of long-standing alcohol intake. First two cases underwent pancreatico-duodenectomy for intractable recurrent pain and other patient is doing well with conservative management.