In approximately 10% of embryos the ventral and dorsal ducts fail to fuse together, resulting in pancreas divisum.

In utero, the majority of the pancreas is drained by the dorsal duct which opens up into the minor duodenal papilla.

For cases with mild and infrequent attacks, management may involve a low-fat diet, medications to reduce pain and gastrointestinal reactions, and pancreatic enzyme supplementation.

[4] A surgeon may attempt a sphincterotomy by cutting the minor papilla to enlarge the opening and allow pancreatic enzymes to flow normally.

ERCP are sometimes used for symptomatic pancreas divisum, which offers the benefit of a less invasive approach compared with surgery.

[6] Studies involving autopsy and imaging series indicate that between 6% and 10% of the population have pancreas divisum, but it is asymptomatic in the majority (>95%) of cases.