Heterotopic pancreas in gastric antrum with macroscopic appearance of gastric polyp.

Heterotopic pancreas is a relatively rare clinical diagnosis, not commonly involved in differential diagnostic considerations of GI symptoms. The authors report a case of heterotopic pancreas discovered endoscopically in the gastric antrum. A 60-year-old woman presented with epigastric pain. The patient took alendronate for osteoporosis. The endoscopic examination revealed Helicobacter pylori positive antral atrophic gastropathy and a well delineated hemispherical polyp, 8 mm in diameter, in the antrum of the stomach. Histology showed antral gastritis and the presence of heterotopic pancreas. After dietary measures and Helicobacter eradication, the patient was relieved of symptoms. According to the authors' opinion, the finding of heterotopic pancreas did not necessitate intervention, and was an incidental finding. The authors discuss the significance of heterotopic pancreas with the conclusion that the resection of the lesion is indicated only if consistent symptoms are present. Fig. 3, Ref. 28.)