Living with Annular pancreas
A birth difference in which the pancreas forms a ring around part of the small intestine.
Understanding Annular pancreas
It is described as a form of duodenal atresia, which is a blockage or narrowing of the first part of the small intestine. It is a digestive system condition that shows up in newborns and infants. GARD lists a dominant inheritance pattern.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:
- Pancreas ring around the small intestine (annular pancreas)
- Narrowing of the first part of the small intestine (duodenal stenosis)
- Blockage high in the intestines (high intestinal obstruction)
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include digestive system specialists and genetic specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Digestive system specialists (gastroenterologists); Genetic specialists (geneticists)
- Expert care
- Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with rare disease patient organizations for support
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
GARD says changes in genes (also called variants) cause this condition. It can be inherited in an autosomal dominant way, meaning one changed copy of the gene can be enough to cause it.
Patient organizations
Rare-disease groups that can help
- Global GenesRare Diseases · United States
- National Organization for Rare DisordersRare Diseases · United States
- Genetic AllianceRare Diseases · United States
- RARE FoundationRare Diseases · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Annular pancreas.
Explore research for Annular pancreas
Explore actively recruiting Annular pancreas studies with HealthSpark.
Find actively recruiting studies for Annular pancreas with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.
- Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
- Share your city to look for research near you
- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.
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