Pancreatic calcification: a report of 45 cases

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Endocrinology
• Public Health

Background:

• Pancreatic calcification is a recognized condition with varying epidemiological profiles globally.
• Previous studies indicate demographic and etiological differences in pancreatic calcification between Western and non-Western populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the clinical characteristics and etiological factors of pancreatic calcification in Western Nigeria.
• To compare the findings with those reported in Europe and North America.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 45 cases of pancreatic calcification.
• Clinical data collection including patient demographics, complications, and suspected causes.

Main Results:

• Pancreatic calcification in Western Nigeria affects a younger demographic compared to Europe and the USA.
• There is an equal prevalence in males and females in Western Nigeria, contrasting with male predominance elsewhere.
• Diabetes mellitus was the most frequent complication.
• Protein malnutrition was identified as the likely cause in over 90% of cases, with chronic relapsing pancreatitis and alcoholism being rare.

Conclusions:

• Pancreatic calcification in Western Nigeria presents with distinct epidemiological features, notably affecting younger individuals and both sexes equally.
• Protein malnutrition is the predominant etiological factor, highlighting a significant difference from Western populations where alcoholism is often implicated.
• The high incidence of diabetes mellitus as a complication underscores the systemic impact of pancreatic calcification.