Topic Highlight Open Access
Copyright ©The Author(s) 2007. Published by Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved.
World J Gastroenterol. Dec 21, 2007; 13(47): 6295-6295
Published online Dec 21, 2007. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v13.i47.6295
Potpourri of pancreatic issues
Michael F Byrne, MD, Series Editor
Author contributions: Michael F Byrne contributed all to the work.
Received: October 4, 2007
Revised: November 9, 2007
Accepted: November 16, 2007
Published online: December 21, 2007

Abstract



TEXT

In this issue of World Journal of Gastroenterology, we present a series of articles relating to various aspects of pancreatic disease. Overall, our understanding of the etiology of pancreatic disease is improving, and there is much more of a move towards reserving endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for cases in which endotherapy is likely and utilising other less invasive modalities such as EUS. In this series, Branch et al discuss the utility of ERCP in the evaluation and management of acute pancreatitis, focusing on the need to move away from diagnostic ERCP. With this in mind, Gerke et al present an update on the role of EUS in pancreatic disease. What we do for the truly idiopathic pancreatitis population has been the subject of a large body of literature over the last few years and is highlighted here by the paper of Enns et al. The perpetually contentious disease process of sphincter of Oddi dysfunction is explored here by Mitchell et al and provides some food for thought as to who should be doing manometry and which patients should be exposed to this potentially curative but also risky procedure. Byrne et al focus on the emerging burden presented by autoimmune pancreatitis, a condition undoubtedly missed in the past and often confused for pancreatic cancer. Freeman tickles our fancy with some revelations in to the pancreatic endocrine and exocrine manifestations of pancreatic disease. Finally, Meloche presents a delightful review of the current state of play in relation to pancreatic transplantation for type 1 diabetes mellitus.

This is a somewhat mixed bag of topics but hopefully serves to remind us that there are a number of considerations in pancreatic disease, that we have more therapeutic options, safer imaging, and that we have a lot more to learn.

6296 Review of idiopathic pancreatitis

Lee JK, Enns R

6314 Role of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in acute pancreatitis

Canlas KR, Branch MS

6321 Utility of endoscopic ultrasound in pancreatitis: A review

Rizk MK, Gerke H

6327 Autoimmune pancreatitis: A review

Zandieh I, Byrne MF

6333 Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction and pancreatitis

McLoughlin MT, Mitchell RMS

6344 Pancreatic endocrine and exocrine changes in celiac disease

Freeman HJ

6347 Transplantation for the treatment of type 1 diabetes

Meloche RM

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