Beyond Cholecystitis: Unveiling Dorsal Pancreatic Agenesis in Routine Imaging

Dorsal pancreatic agenesis (DPA) is a rare congenital disorder resulting from abnormal embryogenesis, where the body and tail of the pancreas are absent while the head remains intact. This case report describes a 21-year-old male presenting with symptoms suggestive of acute cholecystitis. Diagnostic imaging, including abdominal ultrasound and contrast-enhanced computed tomography, confirmed acute cholecystitis and incidentally identified complete dorsal pancreas agenesis. The patient underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy and was discharged asymptomatic after 72 hours for outpatient follow-up. Despite its rarity, dorsal pancreas agenesis is important to recognize, as it can be asymptomatic and often discovered incidentally during evaluations for other conditions. Understanding the embryological development of the pancreas, the clinical implications of dorsal pancreas agenesis, and its potential association with diabetes mellitus is crucial for healthcare professionals. This case underscores the need for meticulous interpretation of imaging studies and highlights the importance of considering anatomical variants in the differential diagnosis of abdominal pain.