Pancreas divisum

Definition:

A congenital defect of the pancreas that causes parts of the pancreas to fail to fuse together.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

In this condition, the ducts of the pancreas are affected. In many cases this defect goes undetected. The cause of the defect is unknown. However, if the pancreatic ducts become obstructed, symptoms similar to pancreatitis may develop. The incidence is about 5% of the general population.