Heterotopic pancreas in the gallbladder: A case report

Abstract

BACKGROUND

Heterotopic pancreas (HP) refers to pancreatic tissue located in areas with no vascular or anatomical connection to the pancreas. HP occurs mostly in the stomach, duodenum, and colon, and rarely in the gallbladder.

CASE SUMMARY

A 57-year-old woman was referred to our hospital complaining of right upper quadrant discomfort for 3 years. An abdominal computed tomography scan revealed adenomyomatosis with a thickened fundus of the gallbladder. The patient underwent a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, and pathological examination unexpectedly showed heterotopic pancreatic tissue in the gallbladder. The patient had a favorable recovery and was discharged on postoperative day 3. She did not report any symptoms or complications at the 6-mo postoperative follow-up. Pathologists should pay close attention to such pancreatic tissue and carefully examine it for dysplasia or malignancy.

CONCLUSION

This case provides more information about HP in the gallbladder, a rare occurrence.

Keywords: Adenomyomatosis; Diagnosis; Heterotopic pancreas; Gallbladder; Case report

Core Tip: In this study, we report a rare case of heterotopic pancreatic tissue in the gallbladder. The patient was initially diagnosed with adenomyomatosis through a computed tomography scan. She underwent a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, and pathological examination revealed heterotopic pancreatic tissue in the gallbladder. Although the malignant transformation of heterotopic pancreatic tissue is rare, pathologists should be aware of this condition and carefully examine the tissue for dysplasia or malignancy.