Pancreatitis pathophysiology

Pancreatitis Main Page
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Overview
Causes
Classification Acute Pancreatitis Chronic Pancreatitis Hereditary Pancreatitis Autoimmune Pancreatitis
Differential Diagnosis

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Pathophysiology

Genetics

Hereditary pancreatitis may be due to a genetic abnormality that renders trypsinogen active within the pancreas, which in turn leads to digestion of the pancreas from the inside.

Pancreatic diseases are notoriously complex disorders resulting from the interaction of multiple genetic, environmental and metabolic factors. Three candidates for genetic testing are currently under investigation: Trypsinogen mutations, Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator Gene (CFTR) mutations and SPINK1 which codes for PSTI - a specific trypsin inhibitor.