Published online Jan 6, 2023. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v11.i1.30
Peer-review started: September 12, 2022
First decision: October 19, 2022
Revised: October 31, 2022
Accepted: December 19, 2022
Article in press: December 19, 2022
Published online: January 6, 2023
Processing time: 114 Days and 21.4 Hours
Autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) is a rare disease clinically characterized by obstructive jaundice, unintentional weight loss, acute pancreatitis, focal pancreatic mass, and diabetes. AIP is classified into two subtypes - type 1 and type 2 - according to pathological findings, clinical features, and serology test results, but some cases may be defined as type not otherwise in the absence of pathological findings and inflammatory bowel disease. To address the differences in diagnostic criteria by country, standard diagnostic criteria for AIP were proposed in 2011 by an international consensus of expert opinions. Differential diagnosis of AIP from pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is important but remains challenging for clinicians. Fortunately, all subtypes of AIP show dramatic response to steroid treatment. This review discusses the current perspectives on the diagnosis and management of AIP in clinical practice.
Core Tip: Autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) is a rare disease characterized by obstructive jaundice, acute pancreatitis, and focal pancreatic mass. Lymphoplasmacytic sclerosing pancreatitis (type 1) and idiopathic duct centric pancreatitis (type 2) are histopathologically distinct. Typical imaging features and pathologic findings are crucial in the diagnosis of AIP to distinguish it from pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Responses to steroid treatment are dramatic, but relapses are common. A careful approach to maintenance treatment is thus required.