Introduction:

Ectopic pancreas is the second most frequent congenital anomaly after pancreas divisum. It was described for the first time in 1729 by Schultz and it is defined as the presence of pancreatic tissue with no anatomical or vascular communication with the main body of pancreas. The most common location is in the stomach (25-38%), followed by the duodenum, jejunum and ileum ones. 40% of the cases are symptomatic and is more frequent their presentation in males in the fifth or sixth decade of life.

Objective:

To present a case of ectopic pancreas diagnosed through a histological study after surgery.

Case presentation:

Case of a patient with clinical features compatible with hypoglycemia that after being studied showed the presence of ectopic pancreatic tissue in the stomach, with a complete solution of the symptoms after surgical treatment. The pathological anatomy showed a benign tumor nodular lesion (2.5 cm), made up of heterotopic pancreatic tissue, with the presence of exocrine pancreas with acini. Endocrine pancreas with the presence of islets of Langerhans and epithelial component with ducts. Involvement from the submucosa to the subserosa, with a proper muscular wall with muscular hyperplasia in relation to pancreatic heterotopia. The gastric mucosa showed mild chronic inflammation with few lymphoid follicles.

Conclusions:

The presence of ectopic pancreas is a rare condition, but it should be taken into account in patients with clinical features of hypoglycemia once ruled out other causes. There is no consensus in regards to the indications for the management of small and asymptomatic lesions, so, it is recommended to individualize each case taking into account the size, location and histological type.

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