ERCP and serum alkaline phosphatase in pancreatic carcinoma

In 323 patients with suspected pancreatic or bile duct disease, the investigations included measurement of serum alkaline phosphatase (S-ALP) and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). The targeted duct system was satisfactorily cannulated in 283 patients, including 171 referred for ERCP because of suspected chronic pancreatitis and 75 with suspected pancreatic carcinoma. The follow-up time in all 283 cases was 3 years or, in the fatal cases, until death. ERCP was false-positive for pancreatic carcinoma in one case. S-ALP was elevated in 20 of the 24 patients with pancreatic malignancy shown at ERCP and histologically verified, but in only 35 of the 108 with chronic pancreatitis and 5 of 123 with normal ERCP. S-ALP should always be checked when pancreatic affection is suspected. If the level is raised, ERCP should also be done early in the clinical investigation, as it has high sensitivity in detection of pancreatic carcinoma.