Autoimmune pancreatitis

Autoimmune pancreatitis is an inflammatory disease of the pancreas with characteristic clinical and histological features, in the development of which autoimmune mechanisms are involved.

Autoimmune pancreatitis is a systemic disease that can affect other organs. It can have a diffuse and focal form, with a focal form, the manifestations of the disease are similar to pancreatic cancer.

Who is at risk?

• Patients over 60 years of age.
• Patients suffering from inflammatory bowel diseases.
• Patients suffering from other autoimmune diseases: primary biliary cholangitis, Sjogren's syndrome, sclerosing cholangitis, thyroiditis, etc.
• Patients who have ever been diagnosed with non-infectious salivary gland inflammation, retroperitoneal fibrosis, tubulointerstitial nephritis, interstitial pneumonia.
• Patients with lymphadenopathy.

You can suspect the disease if the following symptoms occur: 

• A feeling of discomfort in the right hypochondrium, in the upper half of the abdomen.
• Pain with radiation to the lower back or right shoulder blade, spine.
• Discoloration of the stool and darkening of the urine, yellowing of the sclera and skin – mechanical jaundice.
• Increasing weakness and decreased physical activity.
• Unmotivated weight loss.
• Increased blood glucose, the development of diabetes.

If one or more of these signs are detected, it is recommended to consult a doctor. The specialist will assess the situation and appoint a follow-up examination.

If autoimmune pancreatitis is suspected, a comprehensive diagnosis is performed.

For the diagnosis of autoimmune pancreatitis, laboratory tests are performed: including the determination of G4 immunoglobulins in blood serum, as well as instrumental studies: ultrasound examination of the abdominal organs, multispiral computed tomography with intravenous bolus contrast, if necessary – endoscopic ultrasonography, magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography.  

In the Moscow Clinical Scientific and Practical Center named after A. S. Loginov, the diagnosis and treatment of autoimmune pancreatitis is carried out jointly by gastroenterologists, endocrinologists, surgeons, specialists in radiation diagnostics and pathologists. Early access to our specialists allows you to establish a diagnosis and start treatment in a timely manner. Treatment of autoimmune pancreatitis is provided with the use of glucocorticosteroids and other immunosuppressive drugs. Unlike other forms of pancreatitis, autoimmune pancreatitis can restore the impaired functions of the pancreas.

Do not delay your visit to the specialists of our Center. This will help to diagnose the disease in a timely manner and choose the right treatment tactics. Doctors of the Department of Pathology of the pancreas and biliary Tract of the State Medical Institution of the Moscow State Medical Center named after A. S. Loginov DZM are always ready to help you.