Chronic Pancreatitis: A Clinically Oriented Review with Emphasis on Diagnosis, Etiologic Workup, Complications, and Evidence-Based Management
Pathophysiology Overview Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a progressive, irreversible inflammatory pancreatic disorder characterized histopathologically by: The “fibroobstructive” phenotype dominates in most etiologies—particularly hereditary pancreatitis (HP)—where ductal obstruction from stones or strictures drives both inflammation and pain. In contrast, autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) manifests as an immune-mediated inflammatory process with responsive fibrosis. I. Clinical Presentation & Diagnostic…
