Comprehensive review of diagnostic modalities for early chronic pancreatitis

Abstract

Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a progressive condition caused by several factors and characterised by pancreatic fibrosis and dysfunction. However, CP is difficult to diagnose at an early stage. Various advanced methods including endoscopic ultrasound based elastography and confocal laser endomicroscopy have been used to diagnose early CP, although no unified diagnostic standards have been established. In the past, the diagnosis was mainly based on imaging, and no comprehensive evaluations were performed. This review describes and compares the advantages and limitations of the traditional and latest diagnostic modalities and suggests guidelines for the standardisation of the methods used to diagnose early CP.

Keywords: Chronic pancreatitis; Confocal laser endomicroscopy; Early diagnosis; Elastography; Endosonography; Pancreatic fibrosis; Ultrasound endoscopy.