Obstruction of the ampulla of Vater and jaundice caused by focal ectopic pancreas

Ectopic pancreas is defined as the presence of normotypic pancreatic tissue lying outside its anatomical location and lacking nervous or vascular connections with the pancreas. Ectopic pancreas in the stomach and duodenum represent locations that most often result in clinical symptoms. So far, 22 cases of such locations have been described, including 16 patients with lesions located in the major duodenal papilla and 6 patients with lesions located in the common bile duct. The severity of jaundice depends on the size of ectopic lesion. Treatment is initiated only in the case of the occurrence of clinical symptoms or ectopic tumour, and the choice of therapeutic method depends on the size and location of the lesion. The prognosis is favourable, even in the case of late sequelae. This article presents a case of a 54-year-old male with focal ectopic pancreas in the vicinity of the ampulla of Vater resulting in the obstruction of the opening of the common bile duct into the duodenum and, consequently, mechanical jaundice.