Passaro's triangle

General Information
Latin
Greek
TA98
TA2
FMA
Details
System	Digestive system
Artery
Vein
Nerve
Lymphatic drainage
Precursor
Function
Identifiers
Clinical significance
Notes

Passaro's triangle, also known as the gastrinoma triangle, is an anatomical region of the abdomen that is of clinical significance in the diagnosis and treatment of gastrinomas, a type of neuroendocrine tumor that secretes excessive amounts of gastrin. This condition is associated with Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.

Anatomy

Passaro's triangle is defined by three anatomical landmarks:

• The cystic duct
• The junction of the second and third parts of the duodenum
• The neck of the pancreas

These points form a triangular area in the upper abdomen where approximately 90% of gastrinomas are found.

Clinical Significance

The identification of Passaro's triangle is crucial in the surgical management of patients with Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. This syndrome is characterized by severe peptic ulcer disease and diarrhea due to the hypersecretion of gastric acid. Locating the gastrinoma within this triangle can aid in the effective surgical resection of the tumor.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of gastrinomas within Passaro's triangle often involves a combination of imaging studies, such as CT scans, MRI, and somatostatin receptor scintigraphy. Endoscopic ultrasound may also be used to localize the tumor.

Treatment

Surgical resection is the primary treatment for gastrinomas located within Passaro's triangle. In cases where the tumor is not resectable, medical management with proton pump inhibitors and somatostatin analogs may be necessary to control gastric acid hypersecretion.

See Also

• Zollinger-Ellison syndrome
• Gastrinoma
• Neuroendocrine tumor

External Links

• [Link to relevant medical resources]