Clinicopathologic studies in childhood pancreatitis
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 15, 2026
Staining Protocols for Human Pancreatic Islets
Published on: May 23, 2012
T Nguyen1, C Abramowsky, C Ashenburg
1Institute of Pathology, University Hospitals of Cleveland, Ohio.
Insights
Pediatric pancreatitis is often missed clinically, despite symptoms like vomiting and abdominal pain. Multiple causes, including biliary issues, infections, and drug toxicity, contribute to this serious condition in children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pathology
- Gastroenterology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Pancreatitis in children is a rare condition with diverse etiologies.
- Previous reviews have highlighted the challenges in diagnosing pediatric pancreatitis.
- Understanding the pathological basis is crucial for improving clinical recognition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review pathological findings in pediatric pancreatitis cases.
- To identify associated conditions and potential pathogenic mechanisms.
- To assess clinical recognition of pancreatitis in children.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of pediatric autopsy cases from 1951 to 1985.
- Identification of 40 cases with pathological diagnosis of pancreatitis.
- Analysis of patient demographics, associated diseases, and clinical presentations.
Main Results:
- 40 pediatric autopsy cases with pancreatitis identified; 26 patients were under 4 years old.
- Associated conditions included hepatobiliary disease (n=10), immunosuppressive therapy (n=7), viral infections (n=6), and congenital anomalies (n=8).
- Clinical symptoms (vomiting, pleural effusions, abdominal pain) were noted, but pancreatitis was clinically suspected in only 5 cases.
Conclusions:
- Multiple pathogenic mechanisms contribute to childhood pancreatitis, including biliary obstruction, infections, drug toxicity, and immunosuppression.
- Clinical diagnosis of pancreatitis in children is frequently missed.
- Further research into early diagnostic markers and management strategies for pediatric pancreatitis is warranted.
Abstract:
In a review of pediatric autopsies from 1951 to 1985, we identified 40 cases in which pancreatitis was diagnosed pathologically. Twenty-six of these patients were under 4 years of age, and the male-to-female ratio was 1.5. Six groups of patients were identified: 10 with hepatobiliary disease, including 9 with biliary atresia; 7 with immunosuppressive therapy for tumors (n = 2), leukemia (n = 4) and aplastic anemia (n = 1); 6 with viral infections; 8 with congenital anomalies, including congenital heart disease (n = 3); and 9 with miscellaneous problems. Several patients had surgery and various intercurrent complications. Clinical features attributable to the pancreatitis included vomiting or excessive nasogastric drainage (60%), pleural effusions (40%), and abdominal pain (25%). However, the diagnosis was suspected clinically in only 5 of 40 patients. Our findings suggest several pathogenic mechanisms exist for childhood pancreatitis: biliary obstruction, infections, drug toxicity, immunosuppression (acting in synergy with drug toxicity, trauma, and low-flow states resulting from shock, heart failure, and vasculopathy.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Acute Pancreatitis II: Clinical Manifestations and Management
01:24Chronic Pancreatitis I: Introduction
Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas, which occurs when the immune system becomes active and causes swelling, pain, and disruptions in organ function. Pancreatitis can manifest as either an acute or chronic condition.
Acute pancreatitis arises suddenly and lasts for a brief duration, while chronic pancreatitis is a long-term affliction...
01:29Chronic Pancreatitis II: Collaborative Care
Assessment:
01:21Acute Pancreatitis II: Pathophysiology
01:25Chronic Pancreatitis I: Introduction
01:21Chronic Pancreatitis II: Pathophysiology