Symptomatic gastric heterotopic pancreas: clinical presentation and review of the literature

Abstract

Heterotopic pancreas is usually asymptomatic. Associated complications include ulceration, bleeding and obstruction, especially gastric outlet obstruction. Acute and chronic pancreatitis including malignant change have been reported. These lesions are often difficult to differentiate clinically from other gastrointestinal diseases including primary gastric malignancy. Histological examination is mandatory to make a correct diagnosis. Limited surgical excision has been shown to be safe and adequate for heterotopic pancreas. We present a patient with heterotopic pancreas who presented with a non-healing gastric ulcer.