Korean J Gastroenterol.
2002 Sep;40(3):191-196.
A Clinical Review on Chronic Pancreatitis
- Affiliations
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- 1Department of Internal Medicine, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea. dwseo@amc.seoul.kr
Abstract
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BACKGROUND/AIMS: Chronic pancreatitis is characterized by progressive and irreversible loss of pancreatic structure. The majority of the cases are associated with alcohol abuse. In Korea, chronic pancreatitis seems to be increasing due to westernized life style and increased alcohol consumption. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical aspect of chronic pancreatitis through a retrospective study and to analyze the changing pattern by comparing this study results with previous reports.
METHODS
One hundred and five cases of chronic pancreatitis were reviewed retrospectively. The mean age was 49.9 years and the male to female ratio was 7:1.
RESULTS
Alcohol was the cause of chronic pancreatitis in 68.6% of the cases, and 26.7% showed no evident cause for it. Abdominal pain was the most common symptom and diabetes mellitus was the most common complication. The majority of the cases (88.6%) were diagnosed by ERCP. In 51 cases, endoscopic treatment was applied and clinical improvement was observed in 80.3%.
CONCLUSIONS
Compared with previous reports, the proportion of alcoholic pancreatitis has increased. Hypertriglyceridemia, congenital anomaly such as AUPBD and pancreas divisum, autoimmune pancreatitis are demonstrated as the causes of chronic pancreatitis. Endoscopic approach is very useful for diagnosis and treatment of chronic pancreatitis.
