DC plasma emission spectroscopic analysis of pancreatic calculi

Previous studies on pancreatic calculi (PC) from alcoholic pancreatitis and our recent studies on calculi from tropical pancreatitis have shown them to consist mainly of CaCO3 with minute quantities of Mg. However, no attempt was made to look for other elements in PC. This is because of the difficulty in obtaining adequate samples of PC, coupled with the technical limitations in analyzing multi-elements from small samples. In this study, our aim was to analyze the major, minor and trace elements of PC from different parts of the world. DC plasma emission spectroscopy, a modern method that permits determination of multiple elements from small samples, was used in elemental analysis. We identified 17 elements in addition to calcium. Selenium was looked for but was absent. It was interesting that the elemental composition of PC in four patients from different geographical areas with divergent etiological factors remained the same. Absence of Se is of interest, as Se deficiency is associated with pancreatic fibrosis in experimental animals and it is often noted in chronic alcoholics and the malnourished. This preliminary study emphasizes the need for analysis of the elemental composition of pancreatic juice in normals and in conditions predisposing to chronic pancreatitis, to understand lithogenesis and possibly also the etiology of, at least, some types of pancreatitis.