Diagnosis of Chronic Pancreatitis
Chronic pancreatitis is classically diagnosed with a tissue specimen that shows evidence of injury. Since gathering tissue to prove the diagnosis is difficult without causing substantial risk, we often try to make the diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis through history, physical exam, imaging, and function tests.
Common imaging methods we use to make a diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis include:
In more advanced stages of pancreatitis, when malabsorption and diabetes can occur, we may order blood, urine, and stool tests to help diagnose chronic pancreatitis and monitor its progression.
Advanced diagnostic tools
Stanford's Benign Pancreas Program also utilizes advanced diagnostic methods including the following:
These tests, particularly EUS, are considered more sensitive to catch early disease when changes in the pancreas are subtle.
