Characterization of chronic calcific pancreatitis in the presence of HIV infection : comparison with uninfected patients

Abstract

Chronic calcific pancreatitis (CP) is a progressive fibro-inflammatory disease of the pancreas. In its later stages it is characterized by both exocrine dysfunction presenting as malabsorption and steatorrhea, and endocrine dysfunction in the form of diabetes mellitus. Alcohol is the most common risk factor. Other factors include smoking, a genetic predisposition and xenobiotic exposure.