Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in the diagnosis of recurrent acute pancreatitis of unknown etiology
Larraona, J.L.; Moreira, V.F.; Meroño, E.; Simón, M.A.; González Martín, J.A.; del Olmo, L.; Fernández Seara, J.; Ruiz del Arbol, L.
Medicina Clinica 86(16): 667-672
1986
ISSN/ISBN: 0025-7753 PMID: 3736149 Document Number: 284255
The usefulness of ERCP in 25 patients with acute relapsing pancreatitis of unexplained etiology in spite of a detailed clinical history, routine laboratory studies and abdominal echography is analyzed. The results of the technique were as follows: successful cannulation of the pailla in 22 cases (88%), and failed ERCP in 3 cases (12%). In 81.8% of the 22 instances of successfully performed ERCP biliary and pancreatic ducts were visualized: in 13.6 % only the pancreatic duct was visualized and in 4.5% only the common biliary duct were visualized. Endoscopic findings led to the diagnosis in 11 cases (50%): chronic pancreatitis in 8 cases, gallstones in the common biliary duct in 2 cases, and pancreas divisum in 1 case. We think, therefore, that ERCP should be performed in all patients with two or more episodes of pancreatitis of unknown cause.