Pancreatitis

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Digestive system	Endocrine glands	Pancreas	Pancreatitis, acute - CT scan
Pancreatitis, chronic - CT scan	Pancreatitis - series

Pancreatitis is an inflammation or infection of the pancreas -- an elongated, tapered gland that is located behind the stomach. The pancreas secretes digestive enzymes and the hormones insulin and glucagon.

The various types of pancreatitis involve irritation, inflammation, and infection of the pancreas. The disorders differ according to whether symptoms develop suddenly or slowly.

Specific types of pancreatitis are:

• Chronic pancreatitis (inflammation)
• Acute pancreatitis (inflammation)
• Pancreatic abscess (related to an infection)

Review Date: 08/02/2005
Reviewed By: Courtney W. Houchen, M.D., Division of Gastroenterology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.