What should I be concerned about when seeing stranding around the duodenum as a general surgery registrar (General Surgery Registrar)?

Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: March 24, 2025View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

Differential Diagnosis for Stranding around the Duodenum

  • Single most likely diagnosis
    • Pancreatitis: This is the most likely diagnosis due to the proximity of the duodenum to the pancreas. Stranding around the duodenum can be a sign of inflammation or edema in the surrounding tissues, which is consistent with pancreatitis.
  • Other Likely diagnoses
    • Duodenal ulcer disease: Stranding around the duodenum can also be a sign of inflammation or scarring from a duodenal ulcer.
    • Cholecystitis: Inflammation of the gallbladder can cause stranding in the surrounding tissues, including around the duodenum.
    • Perforated viscus: A perforation in the duodenum or nearby structures can cause inflammation and stranding in the surrounding tissues.
  • Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
    • Mesenteric ischemia: This is a life-threatening condition that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment. Stranding around the duodenum can be a sign of ischemia or infarction in the mesenteric vessels.
    • Retroperitoneal hemorrhage: Bleeding in the retroperitoneal space can cause stranding around the duodenum and is a medical emergency.
  • Rare diagnoses
    • Duodenal lymphoma: A rare tumor that can cause stranding around the duodenum due to inflammation or tumor infiltration.
    • Retroperitoneal fibrosis: A rare condition characterized by fibrosis and inflammation in the retroperitoneal space, which can cause stranding around the duodenum.
    • Sarcoidosis: A systemic disease that can cause granulomatous inflammation in various organs, including the duodenum, leading to stranding.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.