Groove pancreatitis: a brief literature review

Abstract

Introduction: Groove pancreatitis is a rare kindt of chronic pancreatitis, which affects a virtual space entitled pancreatic groove. The exact etiology is still unknown, but it shows a strong association with alcoholism and smoking. The clinical and radiological presentation is similar to the pancreatic ade­nocarcinoma, which is important to consider for the differential diagnosis. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to review and describe clinical, radiological and anatomopathological characteris­tics that allow the physician to obtain knowledge about this rare disease. Methods: Systematic liter­ature review. Results: Groove pancreatitis is more prevalent in men, aged 40 to 50 years, presenting with weight loss, abdominal pain and signs of duodenal obstruction. Radiological images show a solid lesion occupying the space between the duodenum and the pancreas, mimicking a tumor. In the endoscopy the groove pancreatitis is observed as a lesion infiltrating the duodenum, thickening and scarring of the duodenal wall, associated with stenosis and cystic formations. The anatomopatho­logical images show fusiform stromal cells, foam cells and cell debris in granular form. Conclusion: Groove pancreatitis is a rare disease still unknown to the medical team. The diagnosis is possible with a multidisciplinary analysis of its clinical, radiological and pathological characteristics, avoiding more invasive surgical approaches.