Autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) is an unusual type of chronic pancreatitis having an underlying autoimmunity mechanism. Lymphoplasmacytic infiltration and fibrosis on histology, and elevated IgG levels or detected autoantibodies on laboratory data support the concept of AIP. Periductal lymphoplasmacytic infiltration and fibrosis, its preferential occurrence in the pancreatic head, and venulitis characterize autoimmune pancreatitis [1]. AIP should be distinguished from alcoholic chronic pancreatitis because steroid therapy for the former type is effective, morphologic changes are reversible, and pancreatic function can return to normal levels [2]. Difficulties can also arise in differentiating AIP from pancreatic carcinoma.
Autoimmune pancreatitis: instrumental diagnosis
MORANA, Giovanni;FACCIOLI, Niccolò;D'ONOFRIO, Mirko;POZZI MUCELLI, Roberto
2005-01-01
Abstract
Autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) is an unusual type of chronic pancreatitis having an underlying autoimmunity mechanism. Lymphoplasmacytic infiltration and fibrosis on histology, and elevated IgG levels or detected autoantibodies on laboratory data support the concept of AIP. Periductal lymphoplasmacytic infiltration and fibrosis, its preferential occurrence in the pancreatic head, and venulitis characterize autoimmune pancreatitis [1]. AIP should be distinguished from alcoholic chronic pancreatitis because steroid therapy for the former type is effective, morphologic changes are reversible, and pancreatic function can return to normal levels [2]. Difficulties can also arise in differentiating AIP from pancreatic carcinoma.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.