Definition and classification of chronic pancreatitis.

Chronic pancreatitis has been defined by features that are clinical and etiologic in origin. From such definitions a number of classifications have been developed, starting with the Marseille Classification in 1963. Defining features of chronic pancreatitis must consider the etiology of the disease, which then presents characteristic clinical evidence through symptomatic sequelae of organ pathology, including complications of the disease. Advancing technology has improved the imaging capabilities available to document derangements of the pancreas. The main purpose of international classifications of disease states is to provide a common language for purposes of clinical, research, and health outcomes studies. Modification of the 10th World Health Organization I.C.D. classification may provide this tool.