| [ Summary ] |
Autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) is defined as a form of pancreatitis characterized by the following features : 1) unique imaging findings such as swelling of the pancreas and narrowing of the main pancreatic duct, 2) elevated serum levels of IgG／IgG4, and appearance of autoantibodies, 3) histological findings of LPSP, 4) various extrapancreatic organ involvement, and 5) fair response to steroids admistration. Expents in Western countries, propose the existence of another type of autoimmune-related pancreatitis, which is histologically characterized by IDCP or GEL. There is a difference between Japan and Western countries in their views as to whether IDCP or GEL should be included in the category of "autoimmune pancreatitis" or not. |