Chronic Pancreatitis

Abstract

Chronic pancreatitis is a term that reflects the end- stage pathology of inflammation associated pancreatic diseases. Tropical pancreatitis is an entity first described in the 1950s and predominantly reported in Kerala. Though originally described in young malnourished patients from the tropics, the present clinical scenario shows some differences. Traditional risk factors included malnutrition, dietary toxins and environmental agents. Identification of genetic mutations causing pancreatitis has broadened the perspective. Improvements in health care and socioeconomic conditions have contributed to better outcomes. However the disease burden is still considerable especially in Kerala. An increase in alcoholic pancreatitis reflects an increase in alcoholism. Recent series report rarer causes including autoimmune pancreatitis