Pancreas divisum does not cause pancreatitis, but associates with CFTR mutations.

Abstract

Bertin et al. partially dispel arguments that pancreas divisum (PD) causes pancreatitis, but fascinatingly indicate that PD associates with CFTR gene mutations predisposing to pancreatitis. This association, however, does not definitely confer a pathophysiological role for PD in pancreatitis but may denote that PD co-mingles with CFTR mutations without influencing pancreatitis or CFTR mutations influence pancreatic duct embryogenesis. We advise "idiopathic pancreatitis" patients with PD to undergo genetic testing. In lieu of CFTR mutations undertake no endoscopic/surgical procedure; if CFTR mutations are found, then refer patients for genetic counseling and withhold endoscopic/surgical therapy unless randomized studies show benefit.