Alcohol-RelatedPancreatic Damage

abuse and pancreatic injury was reported as early as 1878 (Friedreich 1878). Alcoholic pancreatitis is a potentially fatal illness that may be short term (i.e., acute) or long term (i.e., chronic). The relationship between acute and chronic pancreatitis is complex. Symptoms shared by acute and chronic pancreatitis include disabling abdominal pain and interference with normal pancreatic functions. Although the prevalence of alcoholic pancreatitis in the population is unknown, clinicians usually agree that both acute and chronic alcoholic pancreatitis are responsible for a significant amount of illness and death in the United States. This article discusses the extent of the problem, clinical aspects, diagnosis, development (i.e., pathogenesis), and treatment of both acute and chronic alcohol-related pancreatitis. THE HEALTHY PANCREAS