autoimmune pancreatitis


autoimmune pancreatitis

A condition characterised by diffuse enlargement of the pancreas and irregular stenosis of the main pancreatic duct (less commonly, also of the intrapancreatic bile duct on ERCP, associated with other autoimmune diseases).
Lab
Increased IgG4 autoantibodies.
Management
Corticosteroids.

autoimmune pancreatitis

Chronic pancreatitis, usually found in association with other autoimmune disorders (e.g., inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, or Sjogren's syndrome). It is a relatively rare disease, suggested by the finding of antibodies against lactoferrin and carbonic anhydrase in the blood of affected patients. Biopsy specimens reveal infiltration of the organ by lymphocytes. It is treated with corticosteroids. Synonym: autoimmune-related pancreatitisSee also: pancreatitis

autoimmune pancreatitis

Inflammation of the pancreas featuring an autoimmune process with obvious lymphocyte infiltration and fibrosis causing organ dysfunction. The disease takes a range of forms and includes conditions formerly known as chronic sclerosing pancreatitis, non-alcoholic duct-destructive chrinic pancreatitis, pseudotumerous pancreatitis and duct-narrowing chronic pancreatitis.