Sonographic diagnosis of a common pancreaticobiliary channel in children.

BACKGROUND: A common pancreaticobiliary channel is a very rare condition, but its diagnosis is of paramount importance since it can lead to complications that can be prevented. OBJECTIVE: To illustrate the sonographic diagnosis of a common pancreaticobiliary channel in children referred for abdominal pain or jaundice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four children were diagnosed by ultrasonography and the diagnosis was subsequently confirmed by MRI. RESULTS: Sonography demonstrated a pancreaticobiliary junction located in the pancreatic head above the sphincter of Oddi. This rare congenital anomaly was confirmed in all patients by MRI. CONCLUSION: A common pancreaticobiliary channel can be diagnosed by sonography. Nevertheless, our experience is limited, and although sonography can provide an alert and can assist management, it cannot yet replace MRI.