Related Experiment Video For Chronic pancreatitis
Updated: Dec 9, 2025
A Mouse Model for Chronic Pancreatitis via Bile Duct TNBS Infusion
Published on: February 28, 2021
Painless chronic pancreatitis
Antonio Amodio1, Giulia De Marchi1, Nicolò de Pretis1
1Gastroenterology B Unit, Department of Medicine, The Pancreas Institute, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Policlinico GB Rossi, Piazzale L.A. Scuro, 10, 37134 Verona, Italy.
Background:
Painless chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a rare form of the disease.
Aim:
To evaluate the prevalence and the characteristics of this overlooked form of pancreatitis.
Methods:
Patients with a diagnosis of CP and absence of pain were selected, excluding patients suffering from autoimmune pancreatitis. Clinical data, imaging features, and exocrine and endocrine function were therefore analyzed.
Results:
Among 781 patients observed between 2010 and 2016, 74 patients with painless CP (9.5%) were selected. Mean age at diagnosis was 60.8 (SD 10.8) years. 38(51%) individuals did not report any symptom, 36(49%) were affected by symptoms other than pain. Pancreatic calcifications were diagnosed in 70 patients (95%), main pancreatic duct dilation in 55(74%), and pancreatic atrophy in 39(53%).Thirty-six patients (55%) had severe exocrine pancreatic insufficiency(EPI). Diabetes was observed in 34 out of 72 patients (47%). During a mean follow-up of 2.9 (SD 2.8) years, only a mild pancreatitis was diagnosed in a 71-year old female. No patient underwent endoscopic treatment or surgery, developed pancreatic cancer or died.
Conclusions:
In a tertiary center painless CP is observed in 10% of cases, and it is frequently associated with EPI. The probability of onset of pain is very low in a short-term follow-up.
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