Surveillance and diagnostics of chronic pancreatitis

摘要

One has to know the risk factors for the development of chronic pancreatitis: genes, alcohol, smoking, pancreas divisum. If one does not find a known risk factor the term sporadic chronic pancreatitis is preferred, In so-called idiopathic chronic pancreatitis risk factors such SPINK mutations (serine protease inhibitor type Kasal) or mutations of CFTR (cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator) may be found. Hereditary chronic pancreatitis is a rather rare autosomal dominant disease In about 70% mutations of the cationic trypsinogen are found. However, 80% of all cases of chronic pancreatitis are preceded by long-term alcohol abuse. In some of these alcoholic patients mutations of CFTR or SPINK may be found, but not of the cationic trypsinogen. Tropical pancreatitis is associated with SPINK mutations in more than 30%.