There is no Association Between the Thickness of Aberrant Pancreatic Tissue in Circumportal Pancreas and Vascular Variations

To evaluate the relationship between the thickness of aberrant pancreatic tissue (APT) surrounding the portal vein (PV) in circumportal pancreas (CP), subtypes, and accompanying vascular variations. CT of 61 CP cases retrospectively examined. The thickness of APT surrounding the PV was measured at its thickest part. CP subtypes and their relationship with vascular variations were evaluated. APT thickness in 61 CP cases ranged from 4.5 to 15.5 mm (mean ± SD, 8.2 ± 2.2 mm). There were 58 cases of suprasplenic and 3 cases of infrasplenic subtypes. Five suprasplenic subtype cases were excluded from the classification due to a lack of clear visualization of the pancreatic duct. Suprasplenic anteportal (51/56, 91.1%), suprasplenic retroportal (2/56, 3.6%), infrasplenic anteportal (2/56, 3.6%), and infrasplenic retroportal subtypes (1/56, 1.7%) were detected. Vascular variations were shown in 15 CP cases (24.5%). 14/15 (93%) of vascular variations were seen in the suprasplenic anteportal type. No relationship was found between APT thickness and the presence of vascular variations. Although CP is a rare anomaly, it is critical in patients undergoing pancreatic head surgery due to the potential risks of vascular injury and pancreatic fistula. However, no relationship was found between APT tissue thickness and vascular variations.