An unusual case of pancreatitis

Groove pancreatitis is a rare form of segmental chronic pancreatitis, involving the anatomic space between the head of the pancreas, the duodenum and the common bile duct. It is often a delayed diagnosis,and can be challenging, as it is often difficult to differentiate it from other entities.Differentiating from pancreatic head carcinoma may be difficult and recognition of subtle differences between these two entities is extremely important as the management differs significantly. Groove pancreatitis can be managed by conservative medical treatment, and surgery is reserved for patients with persistent and severe clinical symptoms. Hence it is paramount for clinicians to be aware of this entity, for correct diagnosis and management of this unique disease. Here we present a case report of a 35 year old man with a background history of significant ethanol intake, presenting with several episodes of acute on chronic pancreatitis. On investigation, he was diagnosed to have groove pancreatitis, and responded well to conservative management.