Autoimmune related pancreatitis

Abstract

Since Sarles et al reported a case of particular pancreatitis with hypergammaglobulinaemia, similar cases have been noted, which has led to the concept of an autoimmune related pancreatitis or so-called “autoimmune pancreatitis”. The clinical characteristics are: (i) increased levels of serum gammaglobulin or IgG; (ii) presence of autoantibodies; (iii) diffuse enlargement of the pancreas; (iv) diffusely irregular narrowing images of the main pancreatic duct; (v) fibrotic changes with lymphocyte infiltration; (vi) no or only mild symptoms; (vii) rare pancreatic calcification or pancreatic cysts; (viii) occasional association with other autoimmune diseases; and (ix) effective steroid therapy. In addition to various systemic autoimmune diseases, diabetes mellitus or bile duct lesions responsive to steroid therapy are often observed. Further studies are needed to clarify the pathogenesis.