[Diagnosis and differential diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis (author's transl)]

The large number of pancreas tests recommended today shows that no single method is satisfactory. In general, the rule holds that invasive methods are relatively conclusive and non-invasive are unreliable. In this report it is shown that by a rational combination of simple tests, a reliable procedure for pancreatic diagnosis in about 75% of cases is possible for the general practitioner. The methods described in recent years, such as scintigraphy, ultrasonography, angiography and retrograde pancreaticography are complicated and require great experience. In combination, they raise the accuracy to about 95%. Individual investigators can specialize in only one or a few of these methods. Diagnosis of pancreatic conditions which exceed the facilities of the doctor in practice is only possible in large centers or through co-operation of several specialists.