Autoimmune pancreatitis: pathological findings

JOP. 2005 Jan 13;6(1 Suppl):97-101.

Abstract

In recent years, autoimmune pancreatitis has been established as a special type of chronic pancreatitis. It is characterized by its histopathological and immunological features. The morphological hallmarks are periductal infiltration by lymphocytes and plasma cells and granulocytic epithelial lesions with consequent destruction of the duct epithelium and venulitis. Autoimmune pancreatitis has therefore also been called lymphoplasmacytic sclerosing pancreatitis, duct-destructive chronic pancreatitis, or sclerosing pancreatitis. Autoimmune pancreatitis most commonly involves the head of the pancreas and the distal bile duct. Occasionally, masses are formed and it has been described as an inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Autoimmune Diseases / diagnosis
  • Autoimmune Diseases / etiology
  • Autoimmune Diseases / immunology
  • Autoimmune Diseases / pathology*
  • Cholangitis, Sclerosing / diagnosis
  • Cholangitis, Sclerosing / immunology
  • Cholangitis, Sclerosing / pathology
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Granuloma, Plasma Cell / diagnosis
  • Granuloma, Plasma Cell / immunology
  • Granuloma, Plasma Cell / pathology
  • Humans
  • Lymphocytes / immunology
  • Lymphocytes / pathology
  • Pancreatic Ducts / immunology
  • Pancreatic Ducts / pathology
  • Pancreatitis / diagnosis
  • Pancreatitis / etiology
  • Pancreatitis / immunology
  • Pancreatitis / pathology*
  • Plasma Cells / immunology
  • Plasma Cells / pathology