The Roentgen Aspects of the Papilla and Ampulla of Vater

The authors set up criteria for the appraisal of the normal or abnormal major papilla and the ampulla of Vater and discuss the region of the Vaterian segment and surrounding organs. There are 83 illustrations from experimental studies of the major and minor papillae and 58 other excellent figures showing radiological findings and anatomic diagrams. Normal and abnormal papillae are well described and illustrated and are critically analyzed in an interesting manner. The authors point out that the major papilla can be seen in one or more films of an ordinary gastric series showing the duodenum in about 50% of cases. No special technique and no unusual positions are required. As the authors state, "All that was necessary was a careful scrutiny of the Vaterian segment of the duodenum." There is good discussion of the embryology and physiology of the Vaterian segment. Congenital variations are graphically described, and associated pathological