# Chronic pancreatitis of jejunal ectopic pancreas: a rare cause of chronic abdominal pain

## TL;DR

A rare case of chronic abdominal pain caused by chronic pancreatitis in an ectopic pancreas located in the jejunum is reported.

## Contribution

Highlights the importance of diagnostic laparoscopy in identifying rare causes of chronic abdominal pain.

## Key findings

- Ectopic pancreatic tissue was confirmed histologically in the jejunum.
- The tissue showed evidence of both acute and chronic pancreatitis.
- Diagnostic laparoscopy is recommended when no cause for chronic abdominal pain is identified.

## Abstract

Ectopic pancreas (EP) is an uncommon, congenital focus of pancreatic tissue that is discontinuous with the principal pancreas. A 62-year-old female underwent multiple investigations for chronic epigastric pain. EP was identified intra-operatively. On retrospection, earlier imaging showed a thickened segment of jejunum with inflammation of the surrounding small bowel mesentery, suggestive of jejunal EP pancreatitis. Histology confirmed ectopic pancreatic tissue, with sections of the EP showing evidence of previous acute and chronic pancreatitis. When no cause for chronic abdominal pain is found, diagnostic laparoscopy should be considered, and the small bowel inspected, to further investigate for rare causes of abdominal pain, such as EP.