2. Diagnosis of Chronic Pancreatitis

Abstract

Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a clinically defined, usually progressive chronic inflammatory disease of the pancreas based on a combination of signs and symptoms. Current criteria for diagnosis rely on overt moderate-severe morphologic changes on cross-sectional imaging. Late-stage disease is an irreversible condition associated with lost pancreatic function and complications that lead to poor quality of life (QOL). Historically treatment is symptomatic, supportive and often ineffective. This article describes our approach to the diagnosis of CP and discusses the limitations of current diagnostic criteria. Clinical unmet needs include reliably making a diagnosis of early stages of CP, accurately predicting disease progression and establishing biomarkers of different stages of CP. Addressing these needs will offer an opportunity for targeted approaches to prevent progression to end-stage disease.