Pancreatitis, Chronic was found in 5-Minute Clinical Consult which helps you diagnose, treat, and follow up on over 900 medical conditions seen in everyday practice.
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Basics
Description
Irreversible:
- Progressive destruction of the pancreas
- May result in either or both exocrine and endocrine insufficiency
- Major features:
- Pain
- Malabsorption
- Diabetes mellitus
- Increased risk of pancreatic cancer
Epidemiology
Incidence
Predominant age:
- 35–45 years (usually related to alcohol)
- Predominant sex: Male = Female
Prevalence
8.3/10,000
Risk Factors
See “Etiology.”
Genetics
Hereditary pancreatitis is a rare condition with an autosomal-dominant inheritance pattern.
General Prevention
- Avoid smoking.
- Avoid excess alcohol.
Pathophysiology
- Calcification
- Fibrosis/Atrophy
- Pancreatic ductal strictures
Etiology
- Alcohol
- Familial, including cystic fibrosis
- Autoimmune
- Chronic ductal obstruction
- Note that cigarette smoking independently increases the risk in the above conditions.
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