A Case of Autoimmune Chronic Pancreatitis in a Child

We present a case of autoimmune chronic pancreatitis in a previously healthy child without any history of autoimmune disease. A 12-year-old boy was admitted to the hospital with abdominal pain. The serum amylase, lipase, and IgG levels were elevated and autoantibodies (antinuclear antibody, antineutrophil antibody) were detected. An abdominal CT (computed tomographic) scan revealed diffuse enlargement of the pancreas. ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreaticography) demonstrated an irregular stricture of the main pancreatic duct in the pancreas tail. After two years of oral steroid and immunosuppressive drug therapy, the clinical, laboratory and radiological findings were improved. The patient has been symptom-free for 18 months after the discontinuation of medication. (Korean J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 2007; 10: 215∼220)