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©2008 The WJG Press and Baishideng. All rights reserved.
World J Gastroenterol. Feb 21, 2008; 14(7): 1007-1010
Published online Feb 21, 2008. doi: 10.3748/wjg.14.1007
Published online Feb 21, 2008. doi: 10.3748/wjg.14.1007
Diagnostic approach to patients with acute idiopathic and recurrent pancreatitis, what should be done?
Mohammad Al-Haddad, Michael B Wallace, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Jacksonville, FL 32224, United States
Correspondence to: Michael B Wallace, MD, MPH, Associate Professor of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, 4500 San Pablo Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32224, United States. wallace.michael@mayo.edu
Telephone: +1-904-9537382
Fax: +1-904-9537260
Received: July 31, 2007
Revised: October 15, 2007
Published online: February 21, 2008
Revised: October 15, 2007
Published online: February 21, 2008
Abstract
Acute recurrent pancreatitis (ARP) is a common clinical condition that may be difficult to diagnose. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is proposed to be a safe first line test of choice in the majority of patients. When interventions are needed to remove biliary stones, evaluate sphincter of Oddi or pancreas divisum, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is recommended. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) can be a suitable alternative from a diagnostic standpoint although may not be widely available. Finally, genetic testing is increasingly used to detect certain mutations that are associated with this diagnosis.
Keywords: Acute recurrent pancreatitis, Idiopathic pancreatitis, Endoscopic ultrasound, Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography