Chronic pancreatitis and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency

Chronic pancreatitis is a fibro-inflammatory disease of the pancreas characterized by inflammation and fibrosis. It is associated with excessive alcohol consumption and smoking, although a number of other risk factors are increasingly recognized, including a genetic predisposition. Patients typically present with upper abdominal pain, weight loss and changes in bowel habits caused by exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. Additionally, chronic pancreatitis is frequently complicated by post-pancreatitis diabetes mellitus and a number of other conditions, including common bile duct stenosis and duodenal obstruction.
Source: Medicine - Category: Internal Medicine Authors: Tags: Pancreas Source Type: research