[Liver damage in chronic calcified alcohol-induced pancreatitis]

In 107 patients with radiologically confirmed calcifications of the pancreas (calcifications affecting the whole of the gland 57%, in one-third 27%, in two-thirds 16%), the incidence of accompanying liver damage was investigated. No relationship was to be found between the extent of pancreatic calcifications and the amount, nature or duration of alcoholic drinks consumed. Normal and insignificant findings were established in 40%, marked mesenchymal reactions in 32%, an advanced alcoholic hepatitis or incipient cirrhosis in 17%, and full-blown alcoholic cirrhosis in 11% of the cases. The main reason for the fact that no greater association was found, is probably the time factor.