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. 2016 Aug 15;7(3):276–282. doi: 10.4291/wjgp.v7.i3.276

Table 1.

Cardinal features for differential diagnosis

Characteristics Drug-induced pancreatitis Idiopatic IBD-associated pancreatitis Autoimmune pancreatitis
Epidemiology Pediatric patients Elderly patients Females > males Males >> females Male-female 2:1 (type 1) Male-female: 1:1 (type 2)
Age at presentation of pancreatitis Any ages 20-40 yr 60-65 yr (type 1) 45-50 yr (type 2)
Clinical presentation Abdominal pain Abdominal pain Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency Jaundice Mild abdominal pain Diabetes
Sierology Elevated pancreatic enzymes Normal IgG4 Elevated pancreatic enzymes Normal IgG4 Normal or slightly elevated pancreatic enzymes Elevated IgG4 (in type 1)
Imaging Normal pancreas or oedematous pancreatitis Normal pancreas or oedematous pancreatitis Diffuse pancreatic enlargement or long/multiple MPD narrowing No calcifications or pseudocysts Diffuse pancreatic enlargement or long/multiple MPD narrowing No calcifications or pseudocysts
Key point Direct correlation between resolution of symptoms and drug withdrawal Symptoms recurrence with re-challenge test Exclusion of other causes of pancreatitis (drug, lithiasis, alcohol...) Rapid response to steroid with radiologically demonstrable resolution or marked clinical improvement

MPD: Main pancreatic duct; IBD: Inflammatory bowel disease.