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Guidelines for sites linking to mayoclinic.orgThe term "autoimmune pancreatitis" was first used in Japan in 1995 to describe a newly recognized form of chronic pancreatitis. Since then, Mayo Clinic has played a major role in identifying, describing and treating the disorder in the United States.
Mayo Clinic physicians have led the effort to establish diagnostic guidelines for autoimmune pancreatitis, helping ensure that patients are thoroughly evaluated and treated without unnecessary surgery. Mayo researchers have also identified a type of autoimmune pancreatitis (type 2 autoimmune pancreatitis) that can develop in children as young as 12 years of age.
At Mayo Clinic, an experienced team of specialists in pancreatic disease, including a gastroenterologist, endoscopist, pathologist and radiologist, evaluates patients for autoimmune pancreatitis. Because the disorder can affect organs outside the pancreas, other Mayo specialists collaborate with the primary treatment team to provide the most comprehensive and supportive care possible.
Mayo Clinic physicians use imaging tests, a specialized blood test and endoscopic pancreatic core biopsy to diagnose autoimmune pancreatitis. Available at only a few medical centers, endoscopic pancreatic core biopsy is a way of obtaining a sample of pancreatic tissue for pathological analysis without surgery. Read more about autoimmune pancreatitis diagnosis at Mayo Clinic.
Symptoms of autoimmune pancreatitis often improve dramatically after a short course of corticosteroids. But relapses are common, and some patients require additional or long-term therapy. Read more about autoimmune pancreatitis treatment at Mayo Clinic.
Autoimmune pancreatitis is a recently recognized inflammatory disorder that can affect not only the pancreas, but also the bile ducts, salivary glands, kidneys and lymph nodes. The disease occurs when your immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue, causing ongoing inflammation and potentially serious complications. Read more about autoimmune pancreatitis.
"The sky seems bluer and the air smells fresher," says Ning Chien, after being accurately diagnosed by Mayo doctors with treatable autoimmune pancreatitis, rather than suspected cancer.
Read Ning's story.
Read all patient stories.
Autoimmune Pancreatitis
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