Duodenal duplication cyst (DDC) communicating with the pancreatobiliary duct--a rare cause of recurrent acute pancreatitis in adults.

INTRODUCTION

Duodenal duplication cysts (DDC) are rare congenital anomalies that usually present in infancy and childhood. Acute presentation in adults is even rarer.

CASE HISTORY: We report a case of a 34-year-old man who presented with recurrent acute pancreatitis and was found to have a cystic lesion in the second part of his duodenum. Further investigations revealed communication between the cystic lesion and the distal common bile duct. We describe the details of the operative approach taken to resect the DDC.

DISCUSSION: We describe the differential diagnoses and the criteria for diagnosing DDC. Management options for DDC are discussed along with our recommendations.