Diagnostic tests in chronic pancreatitis.
We review the values of various tests in the diagnosis of suspected chronic pancreatitis, and we give a practical approach to diagnosis. Most cases can be diagnosed by a consideration of history, simple radiology, and serum enzymes. Problems arise in patients with noncalcific early chronic pancreatitis, in whom pain alone is the main feature. In these patients, a sequence of tests may be required to arrive at a diagnosis of probable or possible pancreatitis to one that is proven. In some cases, only time will tell.
Bank
S
S
Division of Gastroenterology, Long Island Jewish Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New Hyde Park, NY 11042.
Chow
K W
KW
D002760:Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005934:Glucagon / Q000097:blood; D005951:Glucose Tolerance Test; D006801:Humans; D010179:Pancreas / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D010186:Pancreatic Function Tests; D010191:Pancreatic Polypeptide / Q000097:blood; D010195:Pancreatitis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D012633:Secretin / Q000032:analysis; D015607:Stents; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014463:Ultrasonography
D012633:Secretin; D010191:Pancreatic Polypeptide; D005934:Glucagon