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Recurrent and Relapsing Pancreatitis

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Abstract

Recurrent acute pancreatitis is a common clinical problem. Most cases of pancreatitis are identified by a careful history and physical examination. Despite advanced evaluation, the cause is not apparent in about 10% of cases. The etiology of recurrent acute pancreatitis appears to be multifactorial, with genetic and environmental influences playing a significant role. The strength of evidence for certain etiologies is highly variable, and natural history data are limited. Controversy exists regarding the most appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic approach. Recurrent acute pancreatitis often represents a continuum with chronic pancreatitis.

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Disclosure

Conflicts of interest: N.M. Guda—grant support, Cook, Inc.; J. Romagnuolo—consultancy, Olympus, grant support, Sanofi, Merck, Pfizer, NIH, ASGE, and CIHR, honoraria and speakers’ honoraria, Cook Endoscopy, and travel reimbursement, Epigenomics and Pfizer; and M.L. Freeman—honoraria, Boston Scientific and Cook, Inc.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, St. Luke’s Medical Center, Milwaukee, WI, 53215, USA

    Nalini M. Guda

  2. Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Digestive Disease Center, Medical University of South Carolina, 25 Courtenay Drive, ART 7100A, MSC 290, Charleston, SC, 29425-2900, USA

    Joseph Romagnuolo

  3. Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA

    Martin L. Freeman

  4. Total Pancreatectomy and Islet Autotransplantation, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA

    Martin L. Freeman

  5. Pancreaticobiliary Endoscopy Fellowship, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA

    Martin L. Freeman

  6. American Pancreatic Association, University of Minnesota, MMC 36, 406 Harvard Street SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA

    Martin L. Freeman

Authors
  1. Nalini M. Guda
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  2. Joseph Romagnuolo
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  3. Martin L. Freeman
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Correspondence to Nalini M. Guda.

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Guda, N.M., Romagnuolo, J. & Freeman, M.L. Recurrent and Relapsing Pancreatitis. Curr Gastroenterol Rep 13, 140–149 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11894-011-0176-x

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