Imaging in the diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis

• Published in: Romanian Journal of Military Medicine Vol. CXVII; no. 3-4; pp. 30 - 36
• Main Authors: Vasile D. Balaban, Andrei M. Lungu, Dragoș Cuzino, Săndica Bucurică, Bogdan Macadon, Mihăiță Pătrășescu, Raluca S. Costache, Petruț Nuță, Constantin Ştefani, Florentina Ioniță-Radu, Mariana Jinga
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy Publishing House 01-12-2014
• ISSN: 1222-5126; 2501-2312

Chronic pancreatitis is characterised by progressive and irreversible damage of the pancreatic parenchyma and ductal system, which leads to chronic pain, loss of endocrine and exocrine functions. Clinically, pancreatic exocrine insufficiency becomes apparent only after 90% of the parenchima has been lost. Despite the simple definition, diagnosing chronic pancreatitis remains a challenge, especially for early stage disease. Because pancreatic function tests can be normal until late stages and have significant limitations, there is an incresing interest in the role of imaging techniques for the diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis. In this article we review the utility and accuracy of different imaging methods in the diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis, focusing on the role of advanced imaging (magnetic resonance imaging, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and endoscopic ultrasound).