A clinical investigation of chronic pancreatitis--comparative study between alcoholic pancreatitis and non-alcoholic pancreatitis--.

An analysis of 89 cases with chronic pancreatitis revealed 56% of chronic alcoholic pancreatitis (AP). The sex ratio was 47 males to 3 females and the mean age at onset was 42.4 years in AP and 49.3 years in chronic non-alcoholic pancreatitis (NAP). The 'total amount' of alcohol consumption was correlated to the onset. In AP, the abdominal pain was apt to relapse and severe in nature, furthermore painless pancreatitis was seen in 6%. The association with diabetes or calcification (38%) were more frequently seen in AP. The calcifications in AP appeared to be smaller in size and distributed diffusely or localized in cephalic portion. A striking frequency of liver dysfunctions (39 cases) were demonstrated, however, cirrhosis was rare in AP. The P-S test dysunctions in NAP were frequently reversible in the follow up study, while even some of chronic asymptomatic alcoholics developed clinical signs of pancreatitis during the observed period and proceeded to definite AP, of whom pancreatic dysfunctions showed fluctuation and eventual progression. In other words, even pain free intervals the pancreatic inflammation in susceptible persons may proceed to ultimated destruction of the pancreas. The fatality from chronic pancreatitis was rare (12.3%), which was related diabetes mellitus.