All are true about chronic pancreatitis except
Amylase and lipase levels are not always elevated in chronic pancreatitis, making the diagnosis often clinical Cambridge criteria for chronic Pancreatitis on ERCP Stage Typical Changes Normal Normal appearance of side branches and main pancreatic duct Equivocal Dilatation/Obstruction of <3 side branches ; normal main pancreatic duct Mild Dilatation/Obstruction of >3 side branches;normal main pancreatic duct Moderate Additional stenosis and dilatation of main pancreatic duct Severe Additional obstructions, cysts, stenosis of main pancreatic duct ;calculi Ref: Sabiston 20th edition Pgno : 1531-1536
Characterized by irregularities of pancreatic ducts, duct strictures and areas of dilation
60-80% will give history of acute episodes
CT scan showing pancreatic calcification is diagnostic of chronic pancreatitis
Serum amylase is always raised
G.I.T