Heterotopic pancreas, also known as ectopic pancreas, is pancreatic tissue located outside the pancreatic parenchyma without vascular or ductal communication with the gland. Ectopic pancreas is rarely symptomatic, typically detected incidentally at surgery or autopsy. Eighty-five to 90% are in the upper GI tract, especially the gastric antrum. We report a 54-year-old man with symptomatic gastric heterotopic pancreas presenting as recurrent, initially undiagnosed, abdominal pain. Surgery revealed heterotopic pancreas including excretory ducts, acini, and islet cells. Evidence of acute pancreatitis was present, marked by inflammation and abscess formation. Chronic pancreatitis was diagnosed by fibrosis and dilated ducts containing proteinaceous material. Submucosal location with normal overlying mucosa on endoscopy increases risks of delayed or missed diagnosis. Complications include GI bleeding, acute or chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic necrosis, pseudocyst, gastric outlet obstruction, perforation, and, rarely, pancreatic carcinoma. This rare disorder mimics more common diseases. Low suspicion, nondiagnostic imaging or endoscopy contribute to frequent diagnostic delay.
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