Idiopathic acute pancreatitis: role of ERCP in diagnosis and therapy

Abstract

Commentary

A cause for acute pancreatitis is not identified in 10% to 30% of patients after careful history, physical examination, laboratory testing, and radiologic evaluation. These patients are conventionally classified as having idiopathic acute pancreatitis (IAP). Patients with recurrent episodes of IAP are diagnosed with idiopathic acute recurrent pancreatitis (IARP). IAP and IARP are challenging clinical problems for the physician and often frustrating for the patient. Dr. Stuart Sherman has reviewed the role of ERCP and ancillary endoscopic techniques in the evaluation and therapy of these patients.

Grace Elta, MD

Editor