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Acute and chronic pancreatitis: an up-date
L A Scuro1, G Cavallini, G Angelini
1Istituto di Clinica Medica, Università degli Studi di Verona, Italy.
Annali Italiani Di Medicina Interna : Organo Ufficiale Della Societa Italiana Di Medicina Interna
|January 1, 1991
Summary
Acute and chronic pancreatitis are distinct inflammatory pancreatic diseases. Gallstones and alcohol abuse are primary causes of acute pancreatitis, while alcohol is the main driver of chronic pancreatitis, impacting long-term patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Pancreatology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- The Marseilles-Rome classification defines inflammatory pancreatic diseases, including acute pancreatitis (AP) and chronic pancreatitis (CP).
- Understanding the distinct etiologies, pathologies, and clinical courses of AP and CP is crucial for patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the etiological factors, clinical manifestations, sequelae, and outcomes of acute and chronic pancreatitis based on a large patient cohort.
- To highlight the differences in disease progression and mortality between AP and CP.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 348 cases of acute pancreatitis and cases of chronic pancreatitis.
- Evaluation of etiological factors, clinical evolution, sequelae, and treatment outcomes.
Main Results:
- Gallstones and alcohol abuse are the primary causes of AP (over 70%). Mortality in necrotizing AP varies by etiology.
- Chronic alcohol consumption is the main cause of CP (82%), with distinct early and late phases.
- Surgery provided pain relief in 60% of CP patients within 5 years; mortality in CP is often linked to secondary alcohol/smoking-related diseases.
Conclusions:
- Multiple parameters are essential for a comprehensive definition and management of pancreatic diseases.
- Etiology, disease phase, and patient lifestyle factors significantly influence the prognosis of AP and CP.