A comprehensive, case-based review of groove pancreatitis

Groove pancreatitis is an uncommon form of focal chronic pancreatitis that involves the duodenal wall or "groove" area (between the pancreas, common bile duct, and duodenum). It remains largely an unfamiliar entity to most physicians and is often misdiagnosed as pancreatic malignancy or autoimmune pancreatitis because of its "pseudotumor" formation. In this case series, we present 4 cases of groove pancreatitis which highlight important clinical aspects of this disease entity. We then provide a review of the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of this condition. We hope to clarify the salient aspects of this disease process and make groove pancreatitis a more recognized entity to the clinician.