Pancreatitis – acute and chronic

Inflammation of the pancreas parenchyma is classified as either acute or chronic. While both are less common in children than in adults, these diseases are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Acute pancreatitis may occur as an isolated illness or may be a complication of many other childhood illnesses. It is usually a completely reversible injury. Chronic pancreatitis is a progressive disease involving changes in the structure and histology of the organ. Unfortunately, the changes from chronic pancreatitis are often irreversible.