CT features of asymptomatic heterotopic pancreas in jejunal mesentery

Abstract

Heterotopic pancreas (HP) is localized pancreatic tissue that has no relation to orthotopic pancreas and has its own channel and vascular structures. Usually, the submucosa is located in the upper gastrointestinal tract; mesenteric placement is rarely reported. It is frequently asymptomatic and is detected incidentally in imaging, laparotomies, or autopsies. Rarely, pancreatitis may be the cause of small bowel obstruction, massive gastrointestinal bleeding, and malignant transformation. However, this has usually been reported in localized submucosal HP cases. The imaging findings are typical, and the diagnosis can be verified without the need for a histopathological diagnosis. In this case report, we aimed to present the imaging findings of asymptomatic HP located in the proximal jejunum mesentery of a 44-year-old woman. To avoid unnecessary surgical procedures, the characteristic imaging findings of HP are understood and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of masses seen in the mesentery.