Chapter 32

Endoscopic Pancreatic Function Test for the Functional Diagnosis of Chronic Pancreatitis

Indications and Practical Protocol

Luis F. Lara

Luis F. Lara

Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA

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Darwin L. Conwell

Darwin L. Conwell

Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA

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First published: 16 April 2021

Summary

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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