Sonographic diagnosis of a common pancreaticobiliary channel in children.

BACKGROUND

A common pancreaticobiliary channel is a very rare condition, but its diagnosis is of paramount importance since it can lead to complications that can be prevented.

OBJECTIVE

To illustrate the sonographic diagnosis of a common pancreaticobiliary channel in children referred for abdominal pain or jaundice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Four children were diagnosed by ultrasonography and the diagnosis was subsequently confirmed by MRI.

RESULTS

Sonography demonstrated a pancreaticobiliary junction located in the pancreatic head above the sphincter of Oddi. This rare congenital anomaly was confirmed in all patients by MRI.

CONCLUSION

A common pancreaticobiliary channel can be diagnosed by sonography. Nevertheless, our experience is limited, and although sonography can provide an alert and can assist management, it cannot yet replace MRI.