Vaterian diverticula as a cause of acute pancreatitis.

The association of duodenal diverticula and pancreatitis is rare. Various types of such diverticula are reviewed, especially intra- and extraluminal Vaterian diverticula in which common and pancreatic duct terminate. The pathogenesis of the pancreatitis in case of interposed Vaterian diverticula is thought to be mechanical by means of the creation of a closed Vaterian pouch in which higher pressures produce reflux of bile and pancreatic enzymes. Two patients with this particular type of duodenal diverticula are presented.