Although we experience a number of disorders in almost every period of life, we can easily identify what is happening and recover by taking treatment. However, the diagnosis of some diseases rather than the treatment can be quite difficult and the patient may be late in receiving treatment. Types of pancreatitis are also examples of such diseases, the diagnosis and treatment of which can be performed at very late stages. Autoimmune pancreatitis, on the other hand, is one of the varieties of pancreatitis, but perhaps the most difficult to diagnose. Because, autoimmune pancreatitis; it is known for its ability to mimic carcinoma in the pancreas and appear as a focal lesion. Ankara Dr., who serves in the diagnosis and treatment of autoimmune pancreatitis. Meral Sözen; what is autoimmune pancreatitis, autoimmune pancreatitis, autoimmune pancreatitis: symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of autoimmune pancreatitis, autoimmune pancreatitis of unknown the answer to many questions such as how to in this article refers to the side.
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What is Autoimmune Pancreatitis?
Autoimmune pancreatitis, known as a rare type of chronic pancreatitis that develops due to autoimmune etiology, is a disease related to our pancreas. Autoimmune pancreatitis; primary sclerosing cholangitis, primary biliary cirrhosis, rheumatoid arthritis, sjögren's syndrome, such as other autoimmune-induced diseases may also occur together.
In terms of diagnosis, autoimmune pancreatitis, in which the patient is diagnosed late due to the absence of serious signs, is also known as sclerosing pancreatitis, nonalcoholic destructive pancreatitis. Autoimmune pancreatitis, which can appear on the head, trunk, or tail of the pancreas in the form of a focal lesion; is known for arousing suspicion of pancreatic cancer.
What is Pancreatitis?
The pancreas, located just to the left of the navel, in the back-lower part of the stomach, is one of our internal organs. Pancreatitis is an inflammation that occurs in the pancreas, which is responsible for the secretion of insulin + glucogon hormones that ensure the digestion of carbohydrates and fats, as well as for the regular monitoring of blood sugar. Inflammation of the pancreas, on the other hand, can cause the cells that perform this task to be unable to perform their tasks.
What Are the Clinical Manifestations of Autoimmune Pancreatitis?
- Severe abdominal pain
- Obstructive jaundice
- Diffuse swelling / enlargement of the head of the pancreas
- Increase in IgG4 level
- Autoantibody ( ANA, RF) positivity status
- Cases of stenosis in the main and intrahepatic bile duct may occur as clinical manifestations of autoimmune pancreatitis.
Other Diseases That May Accompany Autoimmune Pancreatitis Are;
- Infllamatuvar bowel disease
- Lung nodules
- Sjiögren's syndrome
- Tubulointerstitial nephritis
- Autoimmune thyroiditis
- It can be exemplified as retroperitoneal fibrosis.
How is Autoimmune Pancreatitis Diagnosed and Treated?
Serology and histopathological findings as well as imaging findings are used for the clinical diagnosis of autoimmune pancreatitis. However, it may be difficult to distinguish autoimmune pancreatitis from other diseases by imaging findings. Therefore, if there are characteristic signs of autoimmune pancreatitis, it is necessary to look at IGG4 to clarify the diagnosis, as well as unexpected increases in serum gamma globulin, autoantibody values ( ALA, ACA2, ASMA and ANA).
CT is the first choice for imaging, but MRI also plays an important role in diagnosing the disease. Both parenchyma and pancreatic duct changes can be clearly seen on CT performed together with MR cholangiopancreatography. CT, ERCP USG are among the other examinations that can be applied to the patient if necessary Sa Dec.
After the diagnosis of autoimmune pancreatitis is made, steroid therapy is started for the treatment of autoimmune pancreatitis. Corticosteroid and other treatment options, on the other hand, the doctor will determine according to the course and type of disease.
For the Diagnosis and Treatment of Autoimmune Pancreatitis, Dr. Meral Sözen Is Waiting For You!
If you think that you are also suffering from autoimmune pancreatitis, or if you want to be sure of a recent diagnosis of autoimmune pancreatitis, Dr. With Meral Sözen, you can have your autoimmune pancreatitis diagnosed and start your treatment immediately.
