Chronic Relapsing Pancreatitis

Abstract

Chronic relapsing pancreatitis is firmly established as a disease entity with characteristic clinical manifestations and pathologic changes. Diagnosis is difficult because the severity and frequency of the attacks are unpredictable and cumulative pancreatic damage is variable. Severe abdominal pain in the presence of minimal physical evidence of abnormality is the most helpful diagnostic criterion. Etiologic factors, clinical features, diagnostic aids, and choice of treatment are considered.