Pancreatic pathology in chronic dialysis patients--an autopsy study of 78 cases

Autopsy data from 78 patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) treated with long-term hemodialysis were examined. Various pancreatic abnormalities were found in 47 (60%) patients. The most prevalent abnormality was pancreatitis which was seen in 22 patients (28%). Other lesions found with considerable frequency included fibrosis, hemosiderin deposits, calcification, cystic changes, amyloidosis and abscess formation. In addition hyalinization, atrophy or absence of islands of Langerhans and necrosis of peripancreatic fat were seen in several cases and inspissated secretions, focal ductular epithelial metaplasia and dilatation were noted in some patients. Comparison of the present data with those of a large survey of ESRD patients conducted prior to dialysis era indicates a considerable increase in the prevalence of pancreatic pathology in ESRD patients sustained by long-term hemodialysis treatment.