Chronic Pancreatitis

Abstract

Long-term alcohol abuse is the most common cause of chronic pancreatitis in westernized nations, with a reported incidence of 3.5–10 per 100,000. Other causes include high-fat and protein diets, untreated hyperparathyroidism with hypercalcemia, ductal obstruction (i.e., strictures, cancer, stones), autoimmunity, genetic mutations (i.e., CFTR), tropical, or idiopathic. The primarily accepted pathogenesis is that of necroinflammation and fibrosis that is recurrent and progressive in nature. Inciting or recurring events trigger and potentiate the disease, as seen in alcohol abuse-related pancreatitis. This may lead to organ dysfunction, pain, and eventual burnout. This disease is associated with a 50 % mortality rate within 20–25 years, although only 15–20 % is known to die of an attack of pancreatitis. Death is usually due to other comorbidities or factors associated with alcohol abuse (i.e., tobacco abuse, trauma, malnutrition, or infections).