Chronic Pancreatitis

Chronic Pancreatitis is a long-lasting inflammation of the pancreas, an organ that helps with digestion and blood sugar control. Over time, this condition causes permanent damage to the pancreas, leading to pain, difficulty digesting food, and problems with blood sugar regulation. The pancreas produces important enzymes that break down food and hormones like insulin that control blood sugar. When the pancreas is damaged, these functions are impaired, causing symptoms like abdominal pain, weight loss, and diabetes. The damage is usually irreversible and can significantly affect a person's quality of life.

Chronic Pancreatitis is defined as persistent inflammation of the pancreas resulting in irreversible structural damage, fibrosis, and loss of both exocrine and endocrine function. The most common cause is chronic alcohol abuse, but other causes include genetic mutations such as in CFTR or PRSS1, autoimmune disorders, and obstructive etiologies. The pathophysiology involves repeated episodes of pancreatic injury leading to progressive fibrosis and calcification. Clinically, it presents with chronic abdominal pain, malabsorption due to exocrine insufficiency, and secondary diabetes mellitus from endocrine failure. Imaging often reveals pancreatic calcifications and ductal irregularities. The condition increases the risk of pancreatic cancer and significantly impacts morbidity.