Carcinoid of the ampulla of Vater presenting as acute pancreatitis

A 30-yr-old female with a carcinoid tumor of the ampulla of Vater is discussed. This rare tumor presented in an unusual fashion with isolated pancreatitis in the absence of cholestasis. The correct diagnosis was made preoperatively by endoscopic retrograde cholangiography with biopsies. Surgical removal led to complete resolution of symptoms. The importance of considering less common structural lesions such as ampullary carcinoids in the differential diagnosis of pancreatitis in patients without identifiable risk factors is stressed.