Question:medium

Duct most commonly involved in chronic pancreatitis is:

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The primary drainage duct of the pancreas shows characteristic chain-of-lakes dilatation in this condition.
Updated On: Jun 23, 2026
  • Main pancreatic duct (Wirsung)
  • Accessory pancreatic duct (Santorini)
  • Common bile duct
  • Ampulla of Vater
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Ductal Pathology in Chronic Pancreatitis

Chronic pancreatitis leads to progressive fibrosis and ductal changes predominantly in the main pancreatic duct (duct of Wirsung).

Key imaging finding: "Chain of lakes" or "beaded" appearance on MRCP/ERCP -- alternating dilations and strictures of the main pancreatic duct.

Intraductal changes:
  • Protein plugs progressing to calcified stones
  • Stricture formation
  • Ductal hypertension causing ischemic pain
Surgical relevance: When the main pancreatic duct diameter is >7 mm (dilated), a Puestow procedure (lateral pancreaticojejunostomy) is performed to decompress the duct and relieve pain.

Accessory duct (Santorini) drains the uncinate process and opens at the minor papilla -- it is not primarily affected in chronic pancreatitis.

\[\boxed{\text{Main pancreatic duct (Wirsung) is most commonly involved in chronic pancreatitis}}\]
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