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The diagnosis of early-stage chronic pancreatitis is difficult, because cross-sectional imaging studies of the pancreas usually produce results that appear normal. Researchers from the Cleveland Clinic assessed whether cholecystokinin (CCK) pancreatic function tests (PFTs) or endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) might be effective modalities for diagnosing chronic pancreatitis in patients with negative or inconclusive cross-sectional imaging.
Thirty-five consecutive patients with unexplained constant abdominal pain of presumed pancreatic origin underwent PFTs within 2 weeks of ERCP. Endoscopic PFTs were performed with continuous CCK infusion and included collection of duodenal fluid during endoscopy at 30, 40, 50, and 60 min…