Pathogenesis and the natural course of chronic pancreatitis

This article gives an overview about current thinking in pathogenesis and natural course/therapy in chronic pancreatitis. Alcohol consumption is still the most relevant factor in the development of chronic pancreatitis, a disease with enormous personal and social impact, shortening life expectancy up to 10-20 yrs. Pathogenesis of chronic pancreatitis has to be considered for different symptoms. Particularly pain, the most bothering symptom is most likely due to a combination of hypertension in the organ and parenchymal alterations. Pathogenesis of pancreatic head enlargement remains largely elusive. In particular it is not known what triggers growth factors to step into action. Most other symptoms like common bile duct stenosis or portal hypertension are secondary to this enlargement of the head of the pancreas. (C) 2002 Lippincott Williams Wilkins.