Conservative management of groove pancreatitis – A case report with literature review

INTRODUCTION: Groove pancreatitis (GP) is a rare pancreatitis variant affecting the pancreaticoduodenal groove. It typically affects middle-aged men with a history of chronic alcoholism. Diagnosis is often challenging due to its resemblance with the head of the pancreatic carcinoma. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We report a unique case of GP in a 55-year-old female patient with no history of alcohol consumption. Contrast-enhanced computer tomography revealed the features suggestive of GP. DISCUSSION: This case exemplifies a rare manifestation of GP in a non-alcoholic female, presenting as an acute condition deviating from the common association with male gender and alcohol consumption. GP can be successfully managed conservatively in the presence of diagnostic certainty. CONCLUSION: The presented case underscores the diagnostic complexity of groove pancreatitis, mainly when encountered in non-alcoholic females. Accurate diagnosis guides effective conservative treatment choices and mitigates the potential for unnecessary interventions.