Etiology, diagnosis, and management of chronic pancreatitis associated primary complications: a narrative review
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By
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Liqi Sun
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Mengruo Jiang
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Xiaoyun Wang
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Yuwei Sun
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Yatao Tu
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Zhaoshen Li
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Lisi Peng
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Haojie Huang
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July 9, 2026
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Clinical Scorecard: Causes, identification, and treatment of primary complications related to chronic pancreatitis: a comprehensive review
At a Glance
| Category | Detail |
|---|
| Condition | Chronic pancreatitis |
| Key Mechanisms | Irreversible fibrosis leading to structural damage and functional decline |
| Target Population | Individuals with chronic pancreatitis |
| Care Setting | Gastroenterology |
Key Highlights
- Chronic pancreatitis leads to multiple complications including exocrine and endocrine insufficiency.
- The prevalence of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency increases with disease duration.
- Indirect tests like fecal human elastase-1 are preferred for diagnosing exocrine insufficiency.
Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
- Use pancreatic function tests for objective assessment of exocrine pancreatic synthesis and secretion.
- Fecal human elastase-1 is recommended for noninvasive diagnosis of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency.
Management
- Implement pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) for managing pancreatic exocrine insufficiency.
Monitoring & Follow-up
- Regularly assess pancreatic function and symptoms to evaluate the effectiveness of PERT.
Risks
- Patients with chronic pancreatitis are at risk for complications such as metabolic bone disease, pancreatic duct stones, and vascular complications.
Patient & Prescribing Data
Patients with chronic pancreatitis experiencing complications.
Standardized management and active intervention are crucial for improving clinical prognosis.
Clinical Best Practices
- Conduct structured assessments for complications associated with chronic pancreatitis.
- Utilize a comprehensive clinical reference system for diagnosis and management.
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