Fatty Pancreas Represents a Risk Factor for Acute Pancreatitis: A Pilot Study

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Hepatology
• Pancreatology

Background:

• Fatty pancreas (FP), once considered clinically insignificant, is now recognized for its association with various comorbid diseases.
• Emerging evidence suggests a potential link between FP and pancreatic pathologies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate whether fatty pancreas (FP) is a predisposing factor for the development of acute pancreatitis.
• To explore the clinical significance of FP in relation to acute pancreatitis.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 189 patients undergoing endoscopic ultrasound for hepatobiliary indications was analyzed.
• Patients were categorized into two groups: those with a recent history of pancreatitis (Group A) and those without (Group B).
• Exclusion criteria included other pathological pancreato-biliary findings besides FP.

Main Results:

• The prevalence of FP was significantly higher in patients with a history of acute pancreatitis (37.7%) compared to those without (4.7%).
• Univariate analysis revealed a significant correlation between FP and a history of acute pancreatitis (OR, 5.14; P = 0.006).
• Multivariate analysis confirmed FP's significant association with a history of acute pancreatitis, even after adjusting for obesity and hyperlipidemia (OR, 10.78; P < 0.0001).

Conclusions:

• Fatty pancreas is significantly associated with acute pancreatitis.
• This association highlights the clinical importance of recognizing fatty pancreas.
• Clinicians should be aware of the link between fatty pancreas and acute pancreatitis.