Autoimmune pancreatitis with effective steroid therapy

Yonsei Med J. 2003 Jun 30;44(3):534-8. doi: 10.3349/ymj.2003.44.3.534.

Abstract

Autoimmune pancreatitis has recently been described as a clinical entity that causes chronic pancreatitis. This unique form of chronic pancreatitis is characterized by minimal attacks of abdominal pain, irregular narrowing of the pancreatic duct, and a diffuse enlargement of the pancreas. Autoimmune pancreatitis is associated with hypergammaglobulinemia. In addition, there is histological evidence of lymphoplasmacytic inflammation, the occasional coexistence of other autoimmune diseases, and has a favorable response to glucocorticoid treatment. Recently autoimmune pancreatitis has been increasingly reported particularly in Japan. We report two patients with autoimmune pancreatitis who were treated successfully with corticosteroid therapy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Autoimmune Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Autoimmune Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Autoimmune Diseases / pathology
  • Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde
  • Chronic Disease
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pancreatitis / diagnostic imaging
  • Pancreatitis / drug therapy*
  • Pancreatitis / pathology
  • Prednisolone / therapeutic use*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Prednisolone