![Mayo Clinic home page [logo]](/images-global/mayologo.gif)
Discover how you can help support Mayo Clinic.
Autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) is an unusual form of chronic pancreatitis that has only recently been recognized as a distinct disorder. Mayo Clinic doctors, studying one of the largest group of AIP patients in the world, have played a major role in recognizing and describing the disorder in the United States. They continue to improve diagnostic methods so that more people receive appropriate treatment and are not subjected to unnecessary surgery.
Mayo doctors think AIP is much more common than currently recognized and are vigilant in looking for AIP in patients with pancreatic disorders. They have also recognized that some patients with this disorder may present with problems in other parts of the body. Patients are evaluated by an experienced team of specialists in AIP including a gastroenterologist, an endoscopist (specialist in endoscope procedures), a pathologist and a radiologist.
Mayo Clinic doctors use several tools to diagnose AIP including imaging, ultrasound-guided core biopsy and blood testing. A core biopsy allows examination of pancreatic tissue without surgery. Mayo Clinic is one of a few medical centers with this capability. Read more about autoimmune pancreatitis diagnosis.
Much is still unknown about this disorder, and it's challenging to diagnose; but the condition can be successfully treated with steroids and doesn't require surgery. Learn more about autoimmune pancreatitis treatment options.
AIP is an unusual form of chronic pancreatitis. The immune system mistakenly attacks healthy pancreas tissue, causing inflammation and hardening. Symptoms closely mimic pancreatic cancer (pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma), but the disease process is different. A multisystem disorder, the disease can affect other parts of the body, such as the bile ducts, salivary glands, retroperitoneum (area containing the kidneys, aorta, renal tract and other structures) or lymph nodes.
.
