Definition & Etiology
Definition
Chronic inflammation of the pancreas causes severe central abdominal pain with exocrine
(maldigestion & malabsorption) and endocrine dysfunction (NDH & Pancreatic Diabetes – T3cDM)
Prevalence
Median age: fifth decade
Etiology
- Alcohol (70-80%)
- Autoimmune (responsive to steroid treatment)
- Drugs: azathioprine, thiazides, DPP4 inhibitors, oestrogen, tetracyclines
- Genetic (family history <35 years)
- Obstructive: gallstones, strictures, intraductal carcinomas