Zeitschrift für Gastroenterologie
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174 patients with chronic pancreatic diseases, 30 patients with pancreatic carcinoma and 144 with chronic relapsing pancreatitis, 50 of them with calcifications, were observed in the Department of Internal Medicine of the University of Marburg/FRG between 1972 and 1982. In order to differentiate between carcinoma and relapsing pancreatitis the data of these patients were analysed retrospectively with regard to patient history, actual complaints, findings of laboratory, sonography, ERCP and X-ray investigations. The following results were obtained: Of discriminating value are steatorrhoe, local palpatory pain, alcohol ingestion, a history of earlier attacks and relapsing pain situations; however, general abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and weight loss (if not exactly specified) are not. ⋯ In patients without calcifications, dilatation of the branches of the main duct are less relevant in the diagnosis of pancreatic diseases. Radiological demonstration of calcification of the pancreatic area is important for the differential diagnosis. Longstanding characteristical complaints, symptoms and calcifications within the pancreatic area are the most relevant factors in discriminating carcinoma and chronic relapsing pancreatitis.