Endoscopic Pancreatic Function Test for the Functional Diagnosis of Chronic Pancreatitis
Indications and Practical Protocol
Luis F. Lara
Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
Search for more papers by this authorDarwin L. Conwell
Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
Search for more papers by this authorLuis F. Lara
Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
Search for more papers by this authorDarwin L. Conwell
Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
Search for more papers by this authorJ. Enrique Domínguez-Muñoz MD, PhD
Director
Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
Search for more papers by this authorSummary
Evaluation of the pancreas improved with the advent of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), and more recently with secretin-stimulated magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (sMRCP), which may even provide information about the function of the pancreas. However, diagnosing early chronic pancreatitis (CP) remains a challenge. In this chapter, a brief history of pancreatic function is followed by a review of pancreas function tests. The evolution to endoscopic-based secretin-stimulated tests is then described, and current indications for pancreatic function testing are presented. Updated protocols are described with a discussion of their current role in the evaluation of pancreatic disease. Endoscopic aspiration of pancreatic juice following secretin administration is an appropriate test of pancreatic exocrine function. It is approved by the Food and Drug Administration of the United States.
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