Pancreas divisum does not cause pancreatitis, but associates with CFTR mutations

American College of Gastroenterology Guidelines: Management of Acute Pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis (AP), defined as acute inflammation of the pancreas, is one of the most common diseases of the gastrointestinal tract leading to hospital admission in the United States. It is important for clinicians to appreciate that AP is heterogenous, progressing differently among patients and is often unpredictable. While most patients experience symptoms lasting a few days, almost one-fifth of patients will go on to experience complications, including pancreatic necrosis and/or organ failure, at times requiring prolonged hospitalization, intensive care, and radiologic, surgical, and/or endoscopic intervention. Early management is essential to identify and treat patients with AP to prevent complications. Patients with biliary pancreatitis typically will require surgery to prevent recurrent disease and may need early endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography if the disease is complicated by cholangitis. Nutrition plays an important role in treating patients with AP. The safety of early refeeding and importance in preventing complications from AP are addressed. This guideline will provide an evidence-based practical approach to the management of patients with AP.

Diagnostic Endoscopic Ultrasound in Pancreatology: Focus on Normal Variants and Pancreatic Masses

Background

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is a main tool in gastroenterology for both diagnosis and exclusion of pancreatic pathology. It allows minimally invasive assessment of various diseases or anatomic variations affecting the pancreas also with the help of new Doppler technologies, elastography, contrast-enhanced imaging including post hoc image processing with quantification analyses, three-dimensional reconstruction, and artificial intelligence. EUS also allows interventional direct access to the pancreatic parenchyma and the retroperitoneal space, to the pancreatic duct, pancreatic masses, cysts, and vascular structures.

Summary

This review aimed to summarize new developments of EUS in the field of pancreatology. We highlight the role of EUS in evaluating pancreatic pathology by describing normal anatomic variants like pancreas divisum, pancreatic lipomatosis, pancreatic fibrosis in the elderly and characterizing pancreatic masses, both in the context of chronic pancreatitis and within healthy pancreatic parenchyma. EUS is considered the optimal imaging modality for pancreatic masses of uncertain dignity and allows both cytological diagnosis and histology, which is essential not only for neoplastic conditions but also for tailoring therapy for benign inflammatory conditions.

Key Messages

EUS plays an indispensable role in pancreatology and the development of new diagnostic and interventional approaches to the retroperitoneal space and the pancreas exponentially increased over the last years. The development of computer-aided diagnosis and artificial intelligence algorithms hold the potential to overcome the obstacles associated with interobserver variability and will most likely support decision-making in the management of pancreatic disease.

Endoscopy and Pediatric Pancreatitis

Children and adolescents are increasingly impacted by pancreatic disease. Interventional endoscopic procedures, including endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography) and endoscopic ultrasonography, are integral to the diagnosis and management of many pancreatic diseases in the adult population. In the past decade, pediatric interventional endoscopic procedures have become more widely available, with invasive surgical procedures now being replaced by safer and less disruptive endoscopic interventions.

Safety and efficacy of minor papillotomy in children and adolescents with pancreas divisum

INTRODUCTION

Pancreas Divisum (PD) is a common pancreatic ductal variant which is twice as common in pediatric patients with acute recurrent pancreatitis (ARP) relative to the general population (14% vs. 7%). Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with minor papillotomy has been performed to facilitate drainage of pancreatic juice from the diminutive minor papilla to prevent pancreatitis and pancreatic damage.

METHODS

We searched our prospectively-maintained endoscopy databases for patients 18 and younger who underwent ERCP with minor papillotomy between 2009 and 2019. Demographic data, indications, procedural interventions and findings, as well as available clinical outcomes data were analyzed.

RESULTS

54 ARP/PD patients underwent ERCP with minor papillotomy. Median age was 14 (range 7-18) years, and 26 (48.1%) patients were female. Post-ERCP pancreatitis developed in 10/54 patients (18.5%). 12-month post-ERCP clinical trajectory was available in 47/54 (87%) patients and most patients (38/47, 80.8%) improved clinically after minor papillotomy, with 9/47 (19.1%) experiencing resolution of pancreatitis episodes and none indicated worsening severity or frequency of pancreatitis episodes following ERCP.

CONCLUSION

The majority of children and adolescents with PD and ARP who underwent ERCP with minor papillotomy experienced subjective improvement in their symptoms following the intervention. These data suggest that ERCP with minor papillotomy for pediatric patients with PD and ARP is beneficial and may be curative in a subset of patients-higher rates of improvement than have been previously reported in adults.

Risk factors for the progression from acute recurrent to chronic pancreatitis among children in China

BACKGROUND

Risk factors for progression from acute recurrent pancreatitis (ARP) to chronic pancreatitis (CP) in children are poorly understood.

AIM

To summarize the clinical characteristics of children with ARP and CP, identify the risk factors of CP, and investigate the factors associated with rapid progression from initial onset of ARP to CP.

METHODS

The following variables were included in the risk factor analysis: sex, age at onset, family history, pancreas or biliary tract structural abnormalities, and genetic variations. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to assess the risk factors of CP. The Kaplan-Meier curves of the ARP progression to CP for various risk factor groupings were constructed and compared using the log-rank test. The Cox proportional hazard regression model was fitted to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) of progression to CP for each risk variable.

RESULTS

In total, 276 children were studied, of whom 136 progressed to CP. Among them, 41 had pancreatic duct obstructive disease; 105 underwent genetic testing, of whom 68 were found to have genetic variations. Among the remaining 140 patients who did not progress to CP, 61 had biliary obstructions. Forty-three of these children underwent genetic testing, and 15 were found to have genetic variations. Risk factor analysis showed that children with gene mutations were at a higher risk of progressing to CP [odds ratio (OR) = 3.482; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.444-8.398; P = 0.005]; children with pancreas divisum (PD) had a higher risk of CP than those without (OR = 8.665; 95% CI: 1.884, 9.851; P = 0.006). Further, children whose first ARP occurred at an older age might develop CP faster (HR = 1.070; 95% CI: 1.003, 1.141; P = 0.039). Children with gene mutations had a faster rate of progression to CP after onset than children without gene mutations (HR = 1.607; 95% CI: 1.024, 2.522; P = 0.039), PRSS1 gene mutations were more associated (P = 0.025). There was no difference in the rate of progression from ARP to CP in children with PD (P = 0.887); however, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) intervention delayed the progression to CP in ARP patients with PD (P = 0.033).

CONCLUSION

PRSS1 gene mutations and PD are key risk factors for ARP progression to CP in children. PD itself does not affect the disease progression rate, but therapeutic ERCP can be beneficial to patients with ARP with symptomatic PD and delay the progression to CP.

Comparison of idiopathic recurrent acute pancreatitis [IRAP] and recurrent acute pancreatitis with genetic mutations

BACKGROUND

Idiopathic recurrent acute pancreatitis (IRAP) describes frequent episodes of pancreatitis without an etiology found using current testing. We compared the natural history of IRAP with recurrent acute pancreatitis with genetic mutations.

METHODS

Retrospective cohort of patients with recurrent acute pancreatitis (≥2 episodes) and negative conventional testing. All patients had ≥1 episode after cholecystectomy and completed genetic testing. Primary outcomes were chronic pancreatitis incidence, pancreatic cancer, and mortality. Secondary outcomes included opioid and ERCP utilization.

RESULTS

128 patients met criteria for presumed IRAP. 35 patients met criteria for true IRAP. 12 patients had recurrent acute pancreatitis with gene mutations. Chronic pancreatitis developed in 27 (77.1%) IRAP patients over a median of 6 years. Chronic pancreatitis incidence was similar in IRAP and CFTR mutation carriers; but developed later in SPINK1 carriers. No patients developed pancreatic cancer or died from pancreatic-related causes. Patients were frequently treated with oral opioids and ERCP, without significant differences within or between groups.

CONCLUSION

IRAP and pancreatitis in mutation carriers is associated with chronic pancreatitis. Important differences in natural history were observed, but no association was found with cancer or pancreas-related mortality. Efforts to understand the genetic contributions to IRAP, minimize opioids and unnecessary ERCPs are encouraged.

Quality of Care Indicators in Patients with Acute Pancreatitis

BACKGROUND

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a common and expensive condition. Improving quality of care in AP is vital to minimizing cost and improving patient outcomes. However, there has been little work accomplished toward developing and validating explicit quality indicators (QIs) in AP.

AIMS

To define quality of care in patients with AP by developing explicit QIs using standardized techniques.

METHODS

We used the UCLA/RAND Delphi panel approach to combine a comprehensive literature review with the collective judgment of experts to identify a defined set of process measures for AP.

RESULTS

We produced 164 candidate QIs after a comprehensive literature review. After Delphi review, 75 had a median rating ≥ 7. We excluded 11 QIs where the disagreement index exceeded 1.0 and combined indicators overlapping in content to produce a final list of 22 QIs. Overall, 8 QIs related to diagnosis, prevention, or determination of etiology, 2 QIs focused on determination of severity, 3 QIs captured fluid resuscitation, 2 QIs measured nutrition, 1 QI use of antibiotics, and 6 QIs captured endoscopic or surgical management.

CONCLUSIONS

We have developed 22 QIs spanning the spectrum of AP management including diagnosis, risk stratification, and pharmacological and endoscopic therapy. These QIs will facilitate future quality improvement by practitioners and organizations who treat patients with AP and further identify areas that are amenable to improvement to enhance patient care. We anticipate that this QI set will represent the first step in determining a framework for demonstrating value in the care of patients with AP.

Association between chronic asymptomatic pancreatic hyperenzymemia and pancreatic ductal anomalies: a magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography study

PURPOSE

Elucidating the association between pancreatic ductal anomalies and chronic asymptomatic pancreatic hyperenzymemia using magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography.

METHODS

We conducted a single-center, retrospective, case-control study. The healthy community group comprised 554 subjects who participated in a paid, whole-body health checkup program. The patient group comprised 14 subjects with idiopathic pancreatic hyperamylasemia or hyperlipasemia. All subjects underwent magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography. The clinical features and incidence rates of pancreatic ductal anomalies were then compared between the groups.

RESULTS

Compared to the healthy community group, the patient group was significantly more likely to be ≥ age 65 (71.4% of patient group vs. 22.1% of healthy community group), have a history of diabetes mellitus (21.4% vs. 5.4%) or hypertension (35.7% vs. 11.4%), and to have pancreas divisum (21.4% vs. 2.7%), meandering main pancreatic duct (21.4% vs. 4.1%), Wirsungocele (14.3% vs. 1.1%), or dilated main pancreatic duct (14.3% vs. 2.3%). Multivariate analysis found that age ≥ 65 (odds ratio 8.76), presence of pancreas divisum (odds ratio 13.2), meandering main pancreatic duct (odds ratio 8.95), and Wirsungocele (odds ratio 17.6) were independent factors significantly associated with chronic asymptomatic pancreatic hyperenzymemia.

CONCLUSIONS

Pancreas divisum, meandering main pancreatic duct, and Wirsungocele were independently associated with chronic asymptomatic pancreatic hyperenzymemia.

Malformations, choristomas, and hamartomas of the gastrointestinal tract and pancreas

Congenital and hamartomatous lesions of the gastrointestinal tract cause diagnostic challenges for surgical pathologists. Many of these are merely histologic curiosities, whereas others have substantial clinical implications because they herald cancer syndromes or associated anomalies. Although a comprehensive discussion of all developmental abnormalities that can occur in the gastrointestinal tract is beyond the scope of a single manuscript, some entities are more likely to be encountered by surgical pathologists, have important clinical consequences, or pose diagnostic difficulties. The purpose of this review is to discuss the more common malformations and choristomas, as well as hamartomatous lesions that may be clinically important due to their risk for cancer development, frequent associations with heritable cancer syndromes and other anomalies, or potential to simulate other entities.

The Role of Endoscopic Ultrasonography and Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography in Patients With Acute Pancreatitis After Negative Computed Tomography Findings of the Etiology

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to investigate the roles of endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) in detecting the causes of acute pancreatitis after negative computed tomography (CT) findings.

METHODS

Demographic characteristics, blood test results, the severity of pancreatitis, and definite or possible etiology of pancreatitis by EUS and MRCP were evaluated prospectively in 65 consecutively admitted patients after negative CT findings.

RESULTS

Endoscopic ultrasonography and/or MRCP confirmed the definite causes of pancreatitis in 47.7% (31/65) (choledocholithiasis, 25; pancreatic divisum, 3; pancreatic cancer, 1; and pancreatic intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm, 1). The possible causes were cholelithiasis in 75.4%, pancreaticobiliary common channel (PBCC) in 70.8%, and both in 89.2%. The diagnostic values of EUS were higher than MRCP for choledocholithiasis (35.4% vs 12.3%, P < 0.05). Cholelithiasis and the common bile duct diameter were independent factors for the definite etiology of acute pancreatitis. Choledocholithiasis was inversely associated with PBCC, and the common bile duct diameter was the only independent factor associated with PBCC.

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic ultrasonography is a useful imaging modality for detecting definite or possible causes of acute pancreatitis. A PBCC as well as biliary lithiasis could be not uncommon causes of acute pancreatitis after negative CT findings.

Recurrent Acute Pancreatitis: Current Concepts in the Diagnosis and Management

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

There have been significant developments in the diagnosis, clinical approach, and management of patients with recurrent acute pancreatitis (RAP) in the last decade. This review systematically summarizes our current understanding of RAP.

NEW FINDINGS

Gallstones and alcohol are common causes of RAP. Non-alcohol non-biliary RAP (nAnB RAP) is a difficult group of patients after excluding these two causes because extensive workup is required to elucidate the etiology. Idiopathic RAP is diagnosed after excluding all the known causes and recurrence is noted to be higher in such patients. Patients with non-biliary RAP are prone to develop chronic pancreatitis (CP) suggesting a continuum from acute to recurrent to chronic pancreatitis. Often, patients destined to develop CP present at an earlier stage with RAP. Endoscopic ultrasound and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) are the investigations of choice to detect microlithiasis, choledocholithiasis, ductal abnormalities, peri-ampullary malignancies, and early changes of chronic pancreatitis. The role of pancreas divisum, sphincter of Oddi dysfunction, and anomalous pancreatobiliary union in causing RAP is controversial. Genetic testing may be advisable in younger patients.

CONCLUSION

With a focused approach and appropriate investigations, the etiology of RAP can be identified in a significant proportion of patients. Therapeutic options are limited and future research is needed to improve understanding of the disease.

Targeted Gene Next-Generation Sequencing in Chinese Children with Chronic Pancreatitis and Acute Recurrent Pancreatitis

OBJECTIVE

To identify causal mutations in certain genes in children with acute recurrent pancreatitis (ARP) or chronic pancreatitis (CP).

STUDY DESIGN

After patients were enrolled (CP, 55; ARP, 14) and their clinical characteristics were investigated, we performed next-generation sequencing to detect nucleotide variations among the following 10 genes: cationic trypsinogen protease serine 1 (PRSS1), serine protease inhibitor, Kazal type 1 (SPINK1), cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator gene (CFTR), chymotrypsin C (CTRC), calcium-sensing receptor (CASR), cathepsin B (CTSB), keratin 8 (KRT8), CLAUDIN 2 (CLDN2), carboxypeptidase A1 (CPA1), and ATPase type 8B member 1 (ATP8B1). Mutations were searched against online databases to obtain information on the cause of the diseases. Certain novel mutations were analyzed using the SIFT2 and Polyphen-2 to predict the effect on protein function.

RESULTS

There were 45 patients with CP and 10 patients with ARP who harbored 1 or more mutations in these genes; 45 patients had at least 1 mutation related to pancreatitis. Mutations were observed in the PRSS1, SPINK1, and CFTR genes in 17 patients, the CASR gene in 5 patients, and the CTSB, CTRC, and KRT8 genes in 1 patient. Mutations were not found in the CLDN, CPA1, or ATP8B1 genes. We found that mutations in SPINK1 may increase the risk of pancreatic duct stones (OR, 11.07; P = .003). The patients with CFTR mutations had a higher level of serum amylase (316.0 U/L vs 92.5 U/L; P = .026).

CONCLUSION

Mutations, especially those in PRSS1, SPINK1, and CFTR, accounted for the major etiologies in Chinese children with CP or ARP. Children presenting mutations in the SPINK1 gene may have a higher risk of developing pancreatic duct stones.

Total pancreatectomy for recurrent acute and chronic pancreatitis: a critical review of patient selection criteria

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Critical review of the indications for total pancreatectomy and highlight limitations in current diagnostic criteria for chronic pancreatitis.

RECENT FINDINGS

The diagnosis of noncalcific chronic pancreatitis remains controversial because of an overreliance on nonspecific imaging and laboratories findings. Endoscopic ultrasound, s-magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography, and/or endoscopic pancreatic function testing are often used to diagnose noncalcific chronic pancreatitis despite the fact that there is no gold standard for this condition. Abdominal pain is not specific for chronic pancreatitis and is more likely to be encountered in patients with functional gastrointestinal disorders based on the high incidence of these conditions. The duration of pain and opioid analgesic use results in central sensitization that adversely affects pain outcomes after total pancreatectomy. An alcoholic cause is associated with poorer pain outcomes after total pancreatectomy.

SUMMARY

The lack of a gold standard for noncalcific chronic pancreatitis limits the diagnostic accuracy of imaging and laboratory tests. The pain of chronic pancreatitis is nonspecific and is affected by duration, preoperative opioid use, and cause. These factors will need to be considered in the development of future selection criteria for this morbid surgery.

Prevalence and predictors of pain and opioid analgesic use following total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation for pancreatitis

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES

Total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation (TPIAT) is employed for the management of refractory pain in chronic pancreatitis (CP) with the prospect of partial beta cell preservation. The primary aim of this study is to evaluate the prevalence and predictors of abdominal pain and opioid use following TPIAT.

METHODS

A single center cohort study of all adult patients who underwent TPIAT from 2011 to 2015 for CP. Postoperative pain outcomes included: opioid use, ongoing abdominal pain and new characteristic abdominal pain. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate known and potential predictors of postoperative pain outcomes.

RESULTS

During the study period, 46 patients underwent TPIAT. Following surgery, 89% of patients had resolution of their pre-operative abdominal pain; however, 83% of patients developed a new characteristic abdominal pain. Opioid independence was achieved in 46% of patients. Acute recurrent pancreatitis (ARP) (OR: 11.66; 95%CI: 1.47-92.39; p = 0.02) but not pain duration >3 years or ≥ 5 ERCPs was independently associated with resolution of pre-operative abdominal pain on multiple logistic regression. None of these factors were associated with cessation of opioid use.

CONCLUSION

While the majority of patients have resolution of their initial abdominal pain following TPIAT, many will also develop a new characteristic abdominal pain and only half of all patients achieve opioid independence. ARP is the only independent factor associated with positive postoperative pain outcomes and should be considered a standard criterion for patient selection.

The Etiology and Clinical Course of Chronic Pancreatitis in Children With Early Onset of the Disease

OBJECTIVES

The etiological factors of chronic pancreatitis (CP) in children differ from those in adults. To date, no study has assessed the clinical course of CP in young children. The aim of our study was to evaluate the etiology and the clinical presentation of the disease in children with disease onset before 5 years of age in comparison to later-onset of CP.

METHODS

A total of 276 children with CP, hospitalized from 1988 to 2015, were enrolled in the study. Data on presentation, diagnostic findings, and treatment were reviewed. Two hundred sixty patients were screened for the most frequent mutations in major pancreatitis-associated genes, such as cationic trypsinogen/serine protease gene (PRSS1), serine protease inhibitor, Kazal type 1 gene (SPINK1), and cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator gene (CFTR).

RESULTS

The disease onset before the age of 5 years occurred in 51 patients (group 1), the later onset in 225 patients (group 2). We found no significant discrepancies in distribution of the etiological factors between groups. The youngest patients (group 1) had more pancreatitis episodes (median 5.0 vs 3.00; P < 0.05) and underwent surgeries more frequently (25.5% vs 8.9%; P < 0.05). It could be associated with significantly longer follow-up in early onset group (median 6 vs 4 years; P < 0.05). There were no differences in nutritional status or exocrine and endocrine pancreatic function.

CONCLUSIONS

Early- and later-onset pancreatitis have similar etiological factors with predominance of gene mutations. The most frequent mutation found was p.Asn34Ser (N34S) in SPINK1 gene. The clinical presentation differed in number of pancreatitis episodes and frequency of surgeries.

Chronic Pancreatitis

Chronic pancreatitis is a debilitating condition often associated with severe abdominal pain and exocrine and endocrine dysfunction. The underlying cause is multifactorial and involves complex interaction of environmental, genetic, and/or other risk factors. The pathology is dependent on the underlying pathogenesis of the disease. This review describes the clinical, gross, and microscopic findings of the main subtypes of chronic pancreatitis: alcoholic chronic pancreatitis, obstructive chronic pancreatitis, paraduodenal ("groove") pancreatitis, pancreatic divisum, autoimmune pancreatitis, and genetic factors associated with chronic pancreatitis. As pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma may be confused with chronic pancreatitis, the main distinguishing features between these 2 diseases are discussed.

Acute pancreatitis: New developments and strategies for the hospitalist

Acute pancreatitis (AP) remains the most common reason for hospital admission of all the gastrointestinal illnesses in the United States. Since the last narrative review in the Journal of Hospital Medicine in 2010, new developments in regard to diagnosis and classification, fluid resuscitation, antibiotic use, nutritional support, and management of complications have helped refine the approach and improve outcomes in this disease. Whereas there is still no proven pharmacologic therapy to specifically combat the inflammatory consequences of AP, recent interventions have led to increased survival, shorter length of stay, and more appropriate transfer criteria for pancreatitis patients. This case-oriented review will highlight these developments and emphasize the primary role of the hospitalist in managing AP over the course of the admission. It will focus on when to coordinate with subspecialists, how to deliver effective yet efficient hospitalized care, and how to optimize appropriate discharge planning. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2016;11:724-729. © 2016 Society of Hospital Medicine.

Prospective Endoscopic Ultrasound-Based Approach to the Evaluation of Idiopathic Pancreatitis: Causes, Response to Therapy, and Long-term Outcome

OBJECTIVES

Although idiopathic pancreatitis is common, the natural history is not well studied, and the best diagnostic approach to both single and multiple attacks remains undefined.

METHODS

We prospectively evaluated patients with idiopathic pancreatitis over a 10-year period, and clinical information for each episode was reviewed. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) was performed in all patients. Patients with microlithiasis or bile duct stones were referred for cholecystectomy and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), respectively. For those with a single attack, if EUS was normal or chronic pancreatitis or pancreas divisum was diagnosed, the patient was followed up for recurrence. For those with multiple attacks and a negative EUS, ERCP and sphincter of Oddi manometry with endoscopic therapy as appropriate were recommended. All patients were followed up in the long term to evaluate for recurrent pancreatitis, the primary study end point.

RESULTS

Over the study period, 201 patients were identified (80 single attack, 121 multiple attacks; mean age 53 years, range 17-95 years, s.d. 16.3 years; and 53% female). After EUS, 54% of patients with a single attack were categorized as idiopathic, and for multiple attacks sphincter of Oddi dysfunction (SOD) was the most common diagnosis (41%). Long-term follow-up (median 37 months; interquartile range 19-70 months) documented recurrence of pancreatitis in 15 (24%; 95% confidence interval (CI), 15-38%) patients with a single attack and in 48 (49%; 95% CI, 38-62%) patients with multiple attacks. Despite endoscopic therapy, patients with pancreas divisum and SOD had relapse rates of 50% (95% CI, 35 to 68%) and 55% (95% CI, 31 to 82%), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Following a single idiopathic attack of pancreatitis and a negative EUS examination, relapse was infrequent. Despite endoscopic therapy, patients with multiple attacks, especially those attributed to pancreas divisum and SOD, had high rates of recurrence. EUS may be a useful, minimally invasive tool for the diagnostic evaluation of idiopathic pancreatitis. The study was listed in Clinicaltrials.gov NCT00609726.

Chronic Pancreatitis: Landmark Papers, Management Decisions, and Future

On May 16, 2015 at the invitation of the American Gastroenterological Association Institute Council E.P.D. presented a state-of-the-art lecture at Digestive Disease Week 2015. The aims were to discuss a selection of landmark papers in chronic pancreatitis (CP) that influence modern management and to conclude by suggesting some future directions. This is based on that presentation. We will specifically review the following: duct anatomy and pancreas divisum, description of chronic relapsing pancreatitis and its differentiation from recurrent acute pancreatitis and established CP (ECP), natural histories and gene discoveries of alcoholic, idiopathic and hereditary pancreatitis, development of pancreatic cancer in CP, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency and calculation of dose and delivery of enzymes, endoscopic ultrasonography, and autoimmune pancreatitis. With some exceptions, we exclude basic science and surgery.

The Physiology and Pathophysiology of Pancreatic Ductal Secretion: The Background for Clinicians

The human exocrine pancreas consists of 2 main cell types: acinar and ductal cells. These exocrine cells interact closely to contribute to the secretion of pancreatic juice. The most important ion in terms of the pancreatic ductal secretion is HCO3. In fact, duct cells produce an alkaline fluid that may contain up to 140 mM NaHCO3, which is essential for normal digestion. This article provides an overview of the basics of pancreatic ductal physiology and pathophysiology. In the first part of the article, we discuss the ductal electrolyte and fluid transporters and their regulation. The central role of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) is highlighted, which is much more than just a Cl channel. We also review the role of pancreatic ducts in severe debilitating diseases such as cystic fibrosis (caused by various genetic defects of cftr), pancreatitis, and diabetes mellitus. Stimulation of ductal secretion in cystic fibrosis and pancreatitis may have beneficial effects in their treatment.

Acute pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis, an inflammatory disorder of the pancreas, is the leading cause of admission to hospital for gastrointestinal disorders in the USA and many other countries. Gallstones and alcohol misuse are long-established risk factors, but several new causes have emerged that, together with new aspects of pathophysiology, improve understanding of the disorder. As incidence (and admission rates) of acute pancreatitis increase, so does the demand for effective management. We review how to manage patients with acute pancreatitis, paying attention to diagnosis, differential diagnosis, complications, prognostic factors, treatment, and prevention of second attacks, and the possible transition from acute to chronic pancreatitis.

Anatomic variants of the pancreatic duct and their clinical relevance: an MR-guided study in the general population

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the frequency of pancreatic duct (PD) variants and their effect on pancreatic exocrine function in a population-based study using non-invasive secretin-stimulated magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (sMRCP).

METHODS

Nine hundred and ninety-five volunteers, 457 women and 538 men, aged 51.9 ± 13.4 years, underwent navigator-triggered, T2-weighted, 3D turbo spin echo MRCP on a 1.5 T system after 1 unit/kg secretin administration. Two readers evaluated images for PD variants. Pancreatic exocrine function and morphological signs of chronic pancreatitis such as abnormalities of the main PD, side branch dilatation, and pancreatic cysts were evaluated and related to PD variants using a Kruskal-Wallis test and post hoc analysis.

RESULTS

Of all sMRCP, 93.2% were of diagnostic quality. Interobserver reliability for detection of PD variants was found to be kappa 0.752 (95 %CI, 0.733 - 0.771). Normal PD variants were observed in 90.4% (n = 838/927). Variants of pancreas divisum was identified in 9.6% (n = 89/927). Abnormalities of the main PD, side branch dilatation, and pancreatic cysts were observed in 2.4%, 16.6%, and 27.7%, respectively, and were not significantly different between pancreas divisum and non-divisum group (P = 0.122; P = 0.152; P = 0.741). There was no association between PD variants and pancreatic exocrine function (P = 0.367).

CONCLUSION

PD variants including pancreas divisum are not associated with morphological signs of chronic pancreatitis or restriction of pancreatic exocrine function.

KEY POINTS

MRCP allows the evaluation of pancreatic duct variants and morphological change. Pancreatic duct variants are not associated with morphological signs of chronic pancreatitis. Pancreas divisum is not accompanied by restriction of pancreatic exocrine function. Pancreatic duct variants including pancreas divisum are limited in their clinical relevance.

Drug induced acute pancreatitis: Does it exist?

As the incidence of acute pancreatitis continues to rise, establishing the etiology in order to prevent recurrence is important. Although the etiology of acute pancreatitis is not difficult in the majority of patients, almost a quarter of patients are initially labeled as having idiopathic acute pancreatitis. When confronted with a patient with acute pancreatitis and no clear etiology defined as an absence alcoholism, gallstones (ultrasound and/or MRI), a normal triglyceride level, and absence of tumor, it often appears reasonable to consider a drug as the cause of acute pancreatitis. Over 100 drugs have been implicated by case reports as causing acute pancreatitis. While some of these case reports are well written, many case reports represent poorly written experiences of the clinician simply implicating a drug without a careful evaluation. Over-reliance on case reports while ignoring randomized clinical trials and large pharmacoepidemiologic surveys has led to confusion about drug induced acute pancreatitis. This review will explain that drug induced acute pancreatitis does occur, but it is rare, and over diagnosis leads to misconceptions about the disease resulting in inappropriate patient care, increased litigation and a failure to address the true entity: idiopathic acute pancreatitis.

Pancreas divisum: a common developmental variant that deserves attention in preclinical medical education

Clinical literature indicates that pancreas divisum (PD) is present in 3-22% of the population and may be associated with an increased risk of pancreatitis. PD is a developmental variant wherein the duct systems derived from the dorsal and ventral pancreatic buds are not fused. Hence secretions from the head, neck, body, and tail, which develop from the dorsal bud, must pass through the minor duodenal papilla. The smaller uncinate process, derived from the ventral bud, drains through the major duodenal papilla. The purpose of this study was: (1) to do a cadaveric dissection to confirm whether PD is common in donors who had not been selected because they had pancreatitis and (2) to determine the frequency of PD descriptions in anatomy, embryology, pathology, and surgery books in our libraries. For our anatomical study, pancreata of eight human donors were dissected. Dye was injected into the ducts so that any communications between main and accessory ducts could be easily located. For our literature review, 22 anatomy, 14 embryology, 11 pathology, and 26 surgery books were examined for mention of PD. PD was unambiguously identified in two donor cadavers. However, only 14% of the anatomy plus embryology books compared to 70% of the surgery plus pathology books describe PD. Cadaveric dissection confirms that PD is indeed prevalent. The prevalence of PD with its increased risk of pancreatitis merits inclusion of this topic in textbooks of anatomy and embryology.

Endotherapy in symptomatic pancreas divisum: a systematic review

Pancreas divisum (PD) is the most common congenital variant of the pancreas and has been implicated as a cause of pancreatitis; however, endoscopic treatment is controversial. Our objective was to examine patient response to endotherapy for treatment of symptomatic PD in adult patients in a systematic review of the literature. A systematic review of all case series and case-control studies with ten or more patients undergoing endotherapy for treatment of symptomatic PD indicated by acute recurrent pancreatitis (ARP), chronic pancreatitis (CP), or chronic abdominal pain (CAP) was performed. PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases were searched from inception through February 2013 using [pancreas divisum] AND [endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)] OR [endotherapy] OR [endoscopy] as search terms. Importantly, the majority of studies were retrospective in nature, significantly limiting analysis capacity. Main outcomes measures included endotherapy response rate in patients with PD and ARP, CP, or CAP. Twenty-two studies were included in the review, with a total of 838 patients. Response to endoscopy was seen in 528 patients, but response rate varied by clinical presentation. Patients with ARP had a response rate ranging from 43% to 100% (median 76%). Reported response rates were lower in the other two groups, ranging from 21% to 80% (median 42%) for patients with CP and 11%-55% (median 33%) for patients with CAP. Complications reported included perforation, post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis, bleeding, and clogged stents. Endotherapy appears to offer an effective treatment option for patients with symptomatic PD, with the best results in patients presenting with ARP.

Role of endoscopic ultrasonography in the diagnosis of acute and chronic pancreatitis

Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) can be a useful tool for detecting underlying causes of acute pancreatitis and establishing the severity of fibrosis in chronic pancreatitis. Ancillary techniques include fine needle aspiration and core biopsy, bile collection for crystal analysis, pancreatic function testing, and celiac plexus block. This review focuses on the role of EUS in the diagnosis of acute and chronic pancreatitis.

American College of Gastroenterology guideline: management of acute pancreatitis

This guideline presents recommendations for the management of patients with acute pancreatitis (AP). During the past decade, there have been new understandings and developments in the diagnosis, etiology, and early and late management of the disease. As the diagnosis of AP is most often established by clinical symptoms and laboratory testing, contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the pancreas should be reserved for patients in whom the diagnosis is unclear or who fail to improve clinically. Hemodynamic status should be assessed immediately upon presentation and resuscitative measures begun as needed. Patients with organ failure and/or the systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) should be admitted to an intensive care unit or intermediary care setting whenever possible. Aggressive hydration should be provided to all patients, unless cardiovascular and/or renal comorbidites preclude it. Early aggressive intravenous hydration is most beneficial within the first 12-24 h, and may have little benefit beyond. Patients with AP and concurrent acute cholangitis should undergo endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) within 24 h of admission. Pancreatic duct stents and/or postprocedure rectal nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) suppositories should be utilized to lower the risk of severe post-ERCP pancreatitis in high-risk patients. Routine use of prophylactic antibiotics in patients with severe AP and/or sterile necrosis is not recommended. In patients with infected necrosis, antibiotics known to penetrate pancreatic necrosis may be useful in delaying intervention, thus decreasing morbidity and mortality. In mild AP, oral feedings can be started immediately if there is no nausea and vomiting. In severe AP, enteral nutrition is recommended to prevent infectious complications, whereas parenteral nutrition should be avoided. Asymptomatic pancreatic and/or extrapancreatic necrosis and/or pseudocysts do not warrant intervention regardless of size, location, and/or extension. In stable patients with infected necrosis, surgical, radiologic, and/or endoscopic drainage should be delayed, preferably for 4 weeks, to allow the development of a wall around the necrosis.

A patient with pancreas divisum, recurrent acute pancreatitis, and homozygosity for the cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator-associated protein 5T allele

Mutations in the gene encoding the cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator (CFTR) have been reported to increase the risk of recurrent acute pancreatitis in patients with pancreas divisum. We assessed the CFTR gene in a young male patient with pancreas divisum and recurrent acute pancreatitis. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography and computed tomography revealed that the patient had pancreas divisum, with an enlarged and tortuous pancreatic duct; he also had positive results from the cystic fibrosis sweat test. Genetic analysis did not identify any common CFTR mutations, but did show that he was homozygous for the 5T allele in intron 8 IVS8 5T-12TG (which affects splicing at intron 8). Endoscopic sphincterotomy and stenting of papilla minor was performed. The IVS8 5T-12TG variant has been associated with abnormal organ development, therefore it is possible that CFTR has an important role in the development of the pancreatic duct. We propose this patient has recurrent acute pancreatitis resulting from a developmental defect associated with a suboptimal CFTR function.

Diagnosis and therapy of pancreas divisum by ERCP: a single center experience

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to determine the diagnosis and endoscopic management of pancreas divisum with results from long-term experience at our institution.

METHODS

A prospectively collected database of all patients who underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with the diagnosis of pancreas divisum at our institution from January 2001 to April 2010 was retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 45 patients were identified with pancreas divisum with 62 ERCP procedures. The major indication for ERCP included pancreatitis in 33 patients (73.3%), of whom 18 had idiopathic recurrent acute pancreatitis, 8 had recurrent pancreatic-type pain and 7 had chronic pancreatitis. The median size of the incision of sphincterotomy was 5 mm (range 3-8 mm). In all 37 patients (82.2%) underwent placement of stent into the dorsal pancreatic duct, with a median stent size of 5 Fr by 7 cm (range 3-10 Fr by 3-12 cm). The overall response rate was 75.8%.

CONCLUSIONS

The frequency of finding pancreas divisum during ERCP varies among institutions and is low compared with the autopsy series, given that many patients may remain asymptomatic or might not undergo ERCP even if the symptoms develop. Our study is the first to describe specific procedure-related details during therapeutic endoscopy for pancreas divisum.

Acute and chronic pancreatitis: surgical management

Pancreatitis is becoming increasingly prevalent in children, posing new challenges to pediatric health care providers. Although some general adult treatment paradigms are applicable in the pediatric population, diagnostic workup and surgical management of acute and chronic pancreatitis have to be tailored to anatomic and pathophysiological entities peculiar to children. Nonbiliary causes of acute pancreatitis in children are generally managed nonoperatively with hydration, close biochemical and clinical observation, and early initiation of enteral feeds. Surgical intervention including cholecystectomy or endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography is often required in acute biliary pancreatitis, whereas infected pancreatic necrosis remains a rare absolute indication for pancreatic debridement and drainage via open, laparoscopic, or interventional radiologic procedure. Chronic pancreatitis is characterized by painful irreversible changes of the parenchyma and ducts, which may result in or be caused by inadequate ductal drainage. A variety of surgical procedures providing drainage, denervation, resection, or a combination thereof are well established to relieve pain and preserve pancreatic function.