Clinical Gastroenterology Vol.25 No.9(11)

Theme Autoimmune Pancreatitis
Title Long-term Outcome for Autoimmune Pancreatitis
Publish Date 2010/08
Author Hisato Igarashi Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory Science, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyushu University
Author Tetsuhide Ito Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory Science, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyushu University
Author Takamasa Oono Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory Science, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyushu University
Author Mikihiko Yasuda Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory Science, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyushu University
Author Taichi Nakamura Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory Science, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyushu University
Author Nao Fujimori Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory Science, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyushu University
Author Yuhsuke Niina Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory Science, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyushu University
Author Masahiko Uchida Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory Science, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyushu University
Author Ryoichi Takayanagi Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory Science, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyushu University
[ Summary ] Autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) can be defined as a chronic inflammation of the pancreas owing to an autoimmune mechanism. Natural histories and long-term outcomes have been obscure. However, recent studies of AIP have revealed a great deal of new information concerning these factors. Although oral steroidal therapy is effective for treating AIP, cases of relapse have been reported after or during steroid therapy and natural remission cases without steroids have also been observed. The long-term outcome, suggests that some patients exhibit pancreatic atrophy, while others develop pancreatic stones. AIP patients frequently express dysfunction of pancreatic, endocrine and/or exocrine function. Some patients experience functional recovery after steroidal therapy. However, with longterm follow up, some patients exhibit further reductions in pancreatic complications. Recently, there have been reports of AIP developing into pancreatic cancer after steroidal therapy. However, it is rarely observed during initial diagnosis. Further investigation will be required concerning long-term outcomes for AIP.
back